Community orchestras, choirs & big bands.

I joined TPO from the very outset, in 2012, because l wanted to play Star Wars and other great movie themes. 14 years in l am still loving it!

I joined the TPO after attending the Mothers Day concert in March 2025. I loved the music they were playing and enjoyed the concert so much that I joined as a member in June, and haven’t regretted it once. It’s a joy to be part of and I look forward to playing every time.

After a few rehearsals playing in the Rusty Players Orchestra in Birmingham, someone mentioned there was an empty bass trombone seat in TPO. The very next day I ordered a brand new bass trombone! Hadn’t played for over 20 years: didn’t realise how much I’d missed it!

I had completely fallen out of love with playing and hadn’t picked up my flute for 12 years since my final uni recital! One day I’d finished watching a John Williams documentary and thought ‘enough is enough, let’s find a fun film music orchestra to join, this is what you love’ and TPO was top of my search list. The music is amazing, but it’s the people that make it truly special. I’ve enjoyed every second of my time in TPO!

I joined TPO because I wanted to start performing on the piano again. When I searched for orchestras or bands on Google, TPO came up, and discovered they play the music I love! I’ve now been part of TPO for 2 months now, and I’m loving every second. Everyone has been so welcoming!

I officially joined in September 2025 because I wanted to do something more meaningful than just sitting at my computer. It was the best decision! Now, I absolutely love it and look forward to every Sunday. It’s the perfect place to grow!

I was looking for a way to continue playing after leaving uni. I found TPO and it looked perfect! I love that there are lots of performance opportunities in great venues.

I heard there was a call for musicians via my uni 11-12 years ago (I think?) and I signed up for a concert at West Bromwich town hall. My favourite thing about the orchestra is that (apart from the impeccable fancy dress at themed concerts) it’s the most supportive, giggly, biscuit-fuelled way to beat the Sunday eve blues!

My 2 sons said you need something away from work and the house that we can’t gatecrash. I’d been going through a tough time when I joined TPO. I had lost my confidence, but TPO has done so much good for me. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the love and support I’ve received, especially as a big part of TPO is about making friends. I look forward to each and every TPO session and really miss it during the summer break

We came to watch TPO perform at West Bromwich Town Hall at Christmas and loved the atmosphere/repertoire. Joined over the Christmas break then was thoroughly welcomed by all in January – I am very grateful for their patience with me trying to read music and the support/encouragement given by lots of the group. It’s great fun and they are all wonderful to make music with.

I was wanting to continue to play while doing a production course at uni after leaving the Milton Keynes Music Service and moved to Birmingham for my course, and joined a few months before Covid hit. I have been coming pretty consistently ever since, even after moving back home to Milton Keynes after finishing university

A couple of former members recommend TPO to me. I was looking for something to play in which was a bit nerdy, wasn’t too pressurised and had lovely people in it. The first thing we played was The Magnificent Seven and about halfway through Zorro, I remember thinking ‘I’ll be ok here.’  That was 10 years ago.  Playing some legendary scores with some legendary people.

Rosie (Violin player in the orchestra) told me about TPO when I began violin lessons with her, which was great because I was wanting to play in an orchestra after moving to another country and not being in one for a year. My parents also encouraged me to join for the same reasons. Also, Rosie said that TPO played more movie pieces over classical pieces.

I joined TPO after speaking with my piano teacher about how much I missed playing regularly and how I was looking to get involved with an ensemble again that rehearsed on a day I was available. She highly recommended TPO, having known people in the orchestra and hearing what a welcoming and friendly environment it is. I joined in January 2026 and have really enjoyed the rehearsals ever since — everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and it’s been great to play such a varied mix of popular and challenging repertoire