United Counties Orchestra Marks Fifth Anniversary

The United Counties Symphony Orchestra celebrates its fifth anniversary this year with the formation of an auxiliary organ- ization, the United Counties Symphony Guild.

The Guild will seek lo enlist support for the Orchestra and will hold its first membership campaign in Port Hope and Co- bourg during the next two weeks under the chairmanship of Mrs. M. Skerratt of Port Hope.

The Symphony Orchestra it- self has a membership of thirty five musicians, ranging from a few high school pupils and some former professional musicians, to veterans of the music world. Five short years ago when the orchestra was first planned by Omar Walmsley and Larry Hall, there were only ten members. At that time their selection of arrangements from which to practice was confined to hymns scored for orchestra.

The first score which the Symphony purchased was Beethoven’s Fifth, an ambitious undertaking for a small group. However, the first movement was presented at the first appearance of the orchestra in Osler Hall, Trinity College School. The Orchestra still maintains the Fifth as part of its extensive repertoire.

One of the interesting features of the United Counties Symph- ony is its active cooperation with the Oshawa Symphony. The two orchestras arrange to play some of the same music and ex- change several members for each concert. This is particular- ly handy when one of the am- ateur orchestras lacks a music- ian to play a certain instrument.

Eric Niles, conductor of the United Counties Symphony Or- chestra, is a well known Cobourg; musician and has continued to conduct the orchestra since Mr. Walmsley moved away from Port Hope, shortly after the first few rehearsals.

Mr. Niles served as a music- ian in the RCHA and later in the 36th Battery. He was assist- ant bandmaster of the Cobourg Kiltie Band several years ago and is again serving in that capacity. A line clarinetist him- self Mr. Miles reports that the Orchestra would welcome more members in its string section, trombone and French horn. woodwind, particularly oboe, also an additional percussionist.

The United Counties Symph- ony Orchestra presents two con- certs each year alternately in Port Hope and Cobourg. Al- though the usual autumn con- cert has been delayed this year until January, a special preview of the orchestra's impressive repertoire is being given this week to residents of the Golden Plough Lodge.

The United Counties Symph- ony Guild has called for a general meeting following their two week membership drive, when election of officers will take place and a constitution planned.

The Guild was organized this fall at the home of Mrs. Norman Jolly when Margaret Skerratt was elected chairman. Other members of the committee who will participle in the Guilds membership drive are Mrs. Frank Long, Mrs. Robert Davidson, Mrs. Norman Jolly, Mrs. R. C. Davis and Mrs. E. L. Ruggles. Mrs. D.G. Scott, Port Hope, a former member of the Toronto Symphony Women's Committee, has served as advisor to the Committee.