THE LIGHTLY STRUNG ORCHESTRA
The uber-uke-tastic Lightly Strung Orchestra (LSO) is a performance ukulele ensemble founded in 2013 by Janine Shearer for players of all levels of proficiency, from advanced beginners to intermediate and advanced shredders!
Our motley crew of joyful ukesters meets weekly to play, sing and improve their ukulele techniques through regular participation in structured, multi-part musical arrangements.
The music we arrange for the LSO aims to cater for all levels and all ukes including soprano, concert, tenor and baritone (plus U-Bass). The benefits of joining the LSO include improving your current playing ability through the continuous development of new skills and techniques, but most importantly, making music with like minded people in a fun, supportive ukulele community.
So, if you have been wondering “what”s next?” in your ukulele journey, the LSO may just be the musical outlet you're looking for!
PREREQUISITES?
Soprano, concert, tenor and baritone uke players are all welcome to join the LSO at the beginning of every term. You must already have playing experience (even if limited) or completed a foundation level ukulele course at an Advanced Beginner level to join the LSO. (Please note, our ensemble is NOT for absolute beginners).
Whilst everyone in the LSO learns the same music, ukulele techniques and chord vocabulary, intermediate and advanced participants are offered more challenging strumming patterns, chord options and finger picking parts.
No matter what level you are at, you will be supported to develop at your own pace.
WHAT'S COVERED?
A typical session offers participants:
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Expert tuition in ukulele techniques, music theory and performance skills.
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Diverse sessions that aim to meet the needs of different skill levels in the group
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A relaxed and supportive environment for you to learn and have fun!
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Plenty of performance opportunities, including solo and lead vocal/instrumental parts for those who wish to push themselves a little bit further.
The LSO also performs at a variety of local events and gigs further afield including Ukulele Festivals and concerts in collaboration with visiting artists. Not to mention our love of dress up parties!
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE
As a member of the LSO, you will receive:
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Access to specially prepared arrangements and practise notes for songs spanning a wide range of genres from classical, blues, jazz, soul, pop and even sea shanties!
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MP3 recordings (download to your phone or laptop, put on your MP3 player/iPod)
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Extra pre-gig rehearsals throughout the term if required
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Plenty of opportunities to perform for those who wish to push themselves a little bit further. Performing is a great way to advance our skills and gain mastery over techniques through focused work
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A weekly dose of pure joy singing and playing music with a bunch of friends
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And of course, most importantly, plenty of social opportunities to chat with tea, coffee and something delicious during our breaks!
IS THE LSO FOR YOU?
If you answer “yes!” to all of the following questions, then the LSO is definitely for you:
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I love playing the ukulele and meeting new people!
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I am committed to attending as many of the rehearsals in the term that I can physically get to
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I am committed to practising what we cover in class at home
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I will download and practice with the audio recording tracks to help me gain confidence and mastery of new music and different parts
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I will keep on top of the latest "versions" of music and RSVPs required for upcoming rehearsals, gigs, and events by checking my emails before all rehearsals I attend.
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I understand that if I can’t make a rehearsal, I will need to provide at least 24 hours’ notice whenever possible.
LSO FEES
LSO fees are charged on a term by term basis.
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10 Week Term Pass: $300 (attend up to 10 day OR evening sessions during the term). This may be prorated when there are less than 10 weeks in a term and no concert rehearsals planned.
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If you attend more than 15 sessions during the term than scheduled, additional sessions will receive a 50% discount (i.e. $15 per sesson).
We understand that we all have busy lives, which are constantly changing, so you only need to commit to one term at a time. If you are absent due to holidays etc, you are most welcome to make up the missed classes by coming to both sessions during the weeks you can attend.
If there are exceptional circumstances whereby you are unable to attend rehearsals for an extended period of time, this situation can be discussed with the musical director and arrangements agreed upon.
VENUES & 2023 DATES
LSO sessions will be held weekly during school terms on the Northern Beaches on:
Mondays from 7pm-9pm in the Berry Hall at the Tramshed Arts & Community Centre, 1395A Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen on:
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Term 1: 30 January - 3 April (9 weeks) as there is a special event on 13 February (The Thin White Ukes)
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Term 2: 24 April - 26 June (9 weeks). There is no session on 12th June
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Term 3: 17 July - 18 September (10 weeks).
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Term 4: 9 October - 27 November (8 weeks)
Thursdays from 10am-12pm in the Ellery Room in the Anglican Church at 3 Frenchs Forest Rd, Seaforth on:
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Term 1: 2 February - 30 March (9 weeks)
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Special pre-Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival rehearsal: Saturday 4th February (2pm-4pm)
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Term 2: 27 April - 29 June (10 weeks).
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Term 3: 20 July - 21 September (10 weeks).
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Term 4: 12 October - 30 November (8 weeks)
What Our Students Say
"A magical experience being part of the wonderful LSO and the leadership, friendship and exceptional teaching of Janine and Jenny. Such a supportive group - might be motley but where else would this range of ages and at times abilities exist to work towards a single goal but in doing so enrich each other’s lives."
Kim, LSO member since 2017
