Triggshire Wind Orchestra was formed in 1984 by the current musical director, Janet Elston, to provide young musicians from North Cornwall the experience of playing in a large ensemble.
The ‘Shire of Trigg’ was an old administrative area dating back to the early medieval period and stretches down the north coast from Bude to Padstow while incorporating the inland moorland villages.
Triggshire Wind Orchestra has performed on the Scilly Isles, in Bristol and London, where they played at Southwark Cathedral, Hyde Park and performed for schools in Lewisham.
They have worked with and performed alongside ‘Live Brass’, a quintet led by Kate Moore, principal trumpet of the BBC Concert Orchestra and have been on tour to Belgium, where they played at the Menin Gate Ceremony. In 2017 Trigg joined forces with Budehaven voices and Bodmin College Jazz Orchestra for a tour of Lake Garda in Italy. More recently, rehearsals continued online throughout the pandemic, and everyone is now enjoying being able to make music together once again.
Janet Elston - Musical Director
Janet grew up in Rotherham, Yorkshire, where she learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. Having played in several bands and orchestras, she decided that a music career was for her after realising her love for music. Janet played clarinet in the National Youth Wind Orchestra for several years, when her passion for wind orchestras was born. After taking her degree at Huddersfield, where she won the Forbes Wind Prize, she then did a post-grad at Bretton Hall. Throughout her years of playing, she has performed in several ensembles and orchestras, including a professional clarinet quartet called the Milton Ensemble, which toured the country.
Janet was delighted to get her first teaching post in Cornwall, where she has remained many years later. She still plays professionally and is Ensemble Manager for the Cornwall Music Service Trust, conductor of the Triggshire Wind Orchestra and has recently retired from conducting the Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra after 29 years. Any spare time that she has is spent riding her horse!
“Janet was musical director of the Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra when I was a young musician in Cornwall in the 1990s. Her incredible patience, enthusiasm and inspiration ensured that I left Cornwall as a young adult with a real love of music. I have continued to enjoy playing throughout my adult life with so many happy memories of Janet, and the CYWO.”
The Influence of North Cornwall in Music
North Cornwall has a unique musical heritage characterised by traditional folk and brass band music. This heritage has played a significant role in shaping the Orchestra's repertoire and its approach to music-making.
The Triggshire Wind Orchestra regularly performs traditional music of Cornwall, such as sea shanties and folk songs. This music is integral to North Cornwall's cultural identity and heritage.
The traditional music of Cornwall has had a significant impact on the Triggshire Wind Orchestra's repertoire, which is characterised by a blend of traditional and contemporary music.
Joining the Orchestra
The Triggshire Wind Orchestra is open to amateur musicians of all ages and abilities. Members are invited to audition for the Orchestra and are expected to commit to regular rehearsals and performances.
The Orchestra plays a vital role in music education in the community, providing opportunities for young musicians to learn and perform alongside experienced musicians.
The Triggshire Wind Orchestra actively participates in community outreach programs and performs regularly at local events and venues. The Orchestra is committed to promoting music education and appreciation in the community.
“No birdcall is the musical equal of a clarinet blown with panache.”