Status

Exeter Children's Orchestra is a charity registered in England (no.801384). The orchestra is run by a committee of trustees and volunteers who make sure that the organisation meets all the legal obligations of a registered charity. The committee also makes sure that the orchestra is a safe place for children to make music together.

People - music

The Director of Music is Richard Bowyer. Richard selects and arranges the music the orchestra plays, including requests from the members. Richard also conducts main rehearsals and all our concerts. The leader of the orchestra in 2007-08 is Hannah Partridge. We also have a number of volunteer music tutors who help during our rehearsals. Many of these volunteers are students. Each section of the orchestra is led by a Principal, who is one of the more experienced members. The Principals help new members to settle in and they pass on the views of members to Richard and the orchestra's representative on the committee.

People - organisation

The orchestra depends on help from parents, led by the committee. The Chair of the committee for 2007-08 is Katie Kelsey. The committee is elected every year at the orchestra's Annual General Meeting in October and can have up to 13 members. The committee members are also trustees of the charity. The orchestra members also have a representative who attends committee meetings. Running an orchestra of over 100 players is a big job - we always need help with supervising rehearsals, transporting instruments, fundraising, publicity, catering ... the list goes on! We are very grateful that so many parents lend a hand when necessary.

Health and safety

We take great care to make sure that the orchestra is a safe and happy activity for children and young people. One of the committee members has special responsibility for health and safety and we carry out risk assessments for all our activities. We always have adults who have had CRB disclosure checks supervising the orchestra. We do not tolerate bullying and our anti-bullying policy will shortly be available on this website.

Funding

The orchestra's funding comes from membership subscriptions, concert tickets and other fundraising activities such as concert catering and raffles. We also receive grants and donations from public bodies, trusts and other generous supporters.