On Sunday 30th October, over 80 accordionists met at Ripley Village Hall, Woking, to participate in the 2016 Super Orchestra Day. There was representation from 11 different accordion orchestras or groups as well as soloists from all over England. The youngest member this year was 9 years of age.

Three pieces were carefully selected to accommodate different playing levels and different styles and the orchestra was conducted for the first time by Julie North. The day started out with a slow run through of each piece paying attention to all the details and expression before percussion is added in the afternoon session. There was a final run through of the pieces before the public performance that evening to an audience.

The evening concert also featured performances from the London Accordion Intermediate Orchestra conducted by Julie North, Watford Accordion Band conducted by Shona Holmes, Middlesex Accordion Orchestra led by James Mullally and the Tillingbourne Accordion Orchestra conducted by Marion Szuman.

The quote of the day from the youngest participant and first time member – ‘I just want to do this again tomorrow!’. Unfortunately, she and all the other participants will have to wait another year for the 2017 Super Orchestra Day!