Coop funds help junior orchestra feel ‘comfortable, warm, valued and included’ with new tops
Thanks to funding from the Coop, members of the Caithness Junior Orchestra (CJO) will stay cosy this winter in their new brightly coloured tops.
The project was originally intended to buy a new polo shirt for every member of the orchestra in order to break down barriers such as “affordability, gender bias and social inequality”, said Katrina Gordon from CJO.
“Through the amazing efforts of our supporters, we were able to raise enough money to also offer high quality, warm hoodies or sweatshirts as an option for each orchestra member.”
She says it will help families who might be struggling financially and will ensure that every young musician feels “comfortable, warm, valued and included”.
Conductor Susie Dingle further explained: "We had applied for funding to create a ‘uniform’ for members, and we were so delighted to be awarded a generous grant of £1629.
“But when it came down to it, we realised that each young musician in the orchestra had their own individual identity to express, so we couldn't choose just one colour or one style to suit everybody.
“Instead, with the help of Highland Workwear in Harpsdale, we created a menu of choices, both in style and colour, so that each orchestra member could choose a Caithness Junior Orchestra branded top to suit their individual preferences."
The orchestra has now grown to over 30 young musicians, and the organisers are always pleased to welcome new members.
Thanks to the Coop funding, it is hoped that all new recruits this academic year will also be able to benefit from a free-of-charge CJO top – either a hoodie, a sweatshirt, a t-shirt or a polo shirt in a choice of colours to rival the rainbow.
There are no auditions to join the orchestra – string, woodwind and brass or keyboard players of all abilities aged 8-18 are welcome, including beginners.
To find out more, ring 01847 893 517 or visit: //caithnessmusic.com/caithness-junior-orchestra
Members are asked to regularly attend lessons on their instrument, either at school or privately, and be learning to read sheet music.