Triggshire String Orchestra is based in Camelford with young people from North Cornwall: from Bude to Wadebridge and Bodmin. Every Wednesday a bunch of very enthusiastic string players aged 8 to 16 and some parents come together to have fun playing music and preparing for performances. Under the direction of Sarah Routly and Kate Tidball the members experience all the benefits of the social and musical aspects of ensemble playing. It boosts confidence and gives a sense of purpose for the weekly instrumental lessons.

The rehearsals are from 5-6 on Wednesdays during term time. In the past, activities included a trip to Birmingham Symphony Hall as part of Music for Youth festival. Once a term we get together with other string ensembles from Cornwall as the SuperStrings group, rehearse together and play for friends and family. This is quite a spectacle with well over 50 young players!

Sarah Routly - Musical Director

I have played the violin and recorders for 50 years, I also play Cello, Viola and to a much lesser extent Tuba, Euphonium, Guitar, piano and flute! An eclectic mix! I am always learning, I don’t believe instrumentalists ever stop learning!

Strings wise, I teach Violin, Cello and Viola which I absolutely love. There’s nothing better than seeing others progress and flourish, the sense of satisfaction and pride they feel, as do I! 

Experience wise, I’ve played in many orchestras, in the North East and in the Southwest. I grew up in Middlesbrough where I played in the Teeside Youth orchestra, before switching to the Cornwall Youth Orchestra in mid 1980s when I was being taught by Karen Frost and latterly by William Lovell

I’ve played Violin and Cello in quartets for weddings and events, also playing violin in a Scottish dance band for weddings which was huge fun, especially playing on a Tall Ship sailing out of Charlestown Harbour!

I currently lead the Launceston Orchestra and have deputised as leader in other orchestras, currently deputising as leader of the South West Philharmonia & Chorus which is a great honour

I teach Recorder also. Recorder has always been a very important aspect of my musical career and I have a real passion for Baroque and Renaissance music. I’ve performed the Sammartini Recorder concerto with Bude orchestra in recent years, and this was a highlight of my recorder journey so far! 

I’m excited to take Triggshire Strings even further on their already accomplished journey. If you’re not at grade 1 yet, don’t worry. I can happily write parts to suit individual ability but to play in ensembles makes a huge impact on the learner, both musically and as we often see, in their social development and confidence in general. 

Joining the Orchestra

New players are always welcome. The minimum level to join is from around grade 1 onwards for any bowed instrument. As it can be a scary idea to come to a new group of people, we offer taster sessions. Just come and give it a go, nobody needs to play all the “right” notes, we love them all. ??

Please contact Sarah Routly on sroutly@cmst.co.uk to find out more.