Musical Director: Kevin Riley

Leader: Karen Snook

The Andover Light Orchestra was formed in the early nineties when a group of evening class students decided to go independent and form their own group. David Holland was their first conductor and they rehearsed at  Bridge St. Methodist Church. Their inaugural concert was held at the church in November 1992.

Currently their Musical Director is Kevin Riley, who came with experience as a military musician, teacher, and having a great gift for arranging and composing.  Alongside conducting the ALO he finds time to conduct the Allegro Wind Band in Andover and Clifton Wind Band at the Newbury Music Centre. He draws the talent from the members with his own style of music, which is challenging but not daunting. The orchestra has flourished greatly under his leadership.

The ALO performs several concerts throughout the year, and are quite busy Summer and Christmas especially.  We are also invited by various groups to raise money for charities.  The orchestra is often invited to go into schools to give performances which cater for, and include schoolchildren, and raise money for their school funds.

The orchestra plays a wide variety of music, some light classics, music from shows and the popular genre. When a concert is arranged we aim to meet the clients choices where possible.  Sometimes music is specially arranged for an occasion.

The ALO meets every Thursday at 7.15 p.m. to 9.00 p,m. at the Church Hall at The United Reformed Church in Eastern Avenue.  Musicians applying need to be about Grade 5 or higher and require a music stand.  

We have vacancies for additional members at the moment and we are particularly looking for a percuccionist, double bass, bassoon and string players

New members can benifit from a free trial period for a term. A term is 12 weeks and the charge is £30 with concessions.

New applicants please contact: Karen Snook 01264 396168, Caroline Mullens 01264 356676 Paula Moore 01264 357014, Helen Hibbitt 07766 903585.