Exeter Children's Orchestra

The Director of Music is Richard Bowyer. Richard selects and arranges the music the orchestra plays, including requests from the members. Richard also conducts orchestral rehearsals and all our concerts. The leader of the orchestra is Mark Everton. We also have a number of volunteer music tutors who help during our rehearsals. Some 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 look after and distribute the orchestral parts, help new members to settle in and pass on the views of members to Richard and the orchestra's representative on the committee.

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.

On 2^nd June 2011, on the anniversary of The Queen’s coronation, it was announced that Exeter Children’s Orchestra has been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK for outstanding work in their local communities.  It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged to be of the highest standard.

Exeter Children’s Orchestra has received the award for enabling children to enjoy the opportunity to play and perform music together, whatever their ability, both in the local community and abroad.

The Orchestra will receive a certificate signed by the Queen, and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Devon’s Lord Lieutenant on 17^th June at County Hall.  Four volunteers from the organisation will also represent the Orchestra at one of The Queen’s Royal Garden Parties this summer.

Speaking of their success, Sarah Clarke, chair of Exeter Children’s Orchestra’s organising committee said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded this prestigious honour in recognition of the work we do at Exeter Children’s Orchestra.  Our volunteers work very hard to ensure that the children enjoy playing and performing together, and their work is often unseen, so this award is well deserved by all those who are currently involved as well as those who have volunteered over the 41 years that the Orchestra has been in existence.”