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 Barbara Degener (cellist) and Kate Tidball (violinist) 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!

Barbara Degener - Musical Director

With two music teachers as parents, my musical education started in Germany, probably before I was even born; for some reason I can’t quite remember. A few years later, it was first the recorder, then the piano, and at the age of ten a bass instrument was needed in the family, and I started playing the cello.

I was very lucky that I learned so much about music by osmosis. Playing with my toys while my dad rehearsed a difficult chorus from Bach’s St. John Passion or sitting under the grand piano and bathing in the resonance while watching the stern face of the cellist who was playing challenging chamber music with my parents; there was no escape. Practising didn’t always happen, but after a detour of trying pottery, I went to study cello in Aachen, Germany. A decision I have never regretted in my life. On my journey I met so many amazing musicians, too many to list here.

Music is my medium for bringing people together, whatever level, whatever background.

It is  a pleasure to run two string orchestras in Camelford. Triggshire Strings are for juniors and Atlantic Strings for any age between 16 and currently well over 80. Our motto is: every player is doing the best they can and playing all the right notes is over-rated.

The musical journey never ends. I am looking forward to deepening the existing skills, experiencing new adventures, and meeting new people of any age and background. Give it a go and join the club!

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 Barbara Degener on bdegener@cmst.co.uk to find out more.