East Suffolk Community Folk Orchestra (ESCFO)

Creative Connections through Community Folk Music

http://www.makingmusic.org.uk/group/east-suffolk-community-folk-orchestra

Did you know East Suffolk has a thriving and growing community folk orchestra?

We would love to hear from local cello, concertina, melodeon, guitar and recorder players who would like to join. Either learn and play your part by ear, or read the dots. Music is available. First rehearsal is a free taster.

ESCFO was established in January 2023 to increase local opportunities to play in a large multi-instrumental folk group. It has evolved into a friendly, supportive and self-led orchestral style ensemble that plays European traditional folk tunes arrangements in parts.

In 2024 we were invited to lead a folk orchestra workshop for East Anglian Traditional Music Trust and the first Bungay Folk Festival. In 2025 we held our our first workshop day in Beccles led by professional folk musician - Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne.

The folk orchestra is an eclectic mix of experienced and less inexperienced players. Some are experienced orchestral or wind band players, others’ are experienced folk musicians – sessions, folk bands, playing for dance teams, and some members hadn’t played in a group prior to joining the folk orchestra, and/or were inexperienced at playing folk tune arrangements. Collectively we share musical skill, knowledge and experience. It works.

Rehearsals take place twice a month on Saturday morning in Bungay. Free refreshments.

Contact: Jo Poole (Chairperson). Email: jopoole@protonmail.com.