About Us
North East Stage and Screen Orchestra and Choir (NESSOC) was formed to promote:
Participation
Wherever possible, NESSOC aims to remove barriers that prevent people from taking part in musical groups. We passionately believe that everyone who wants to perform music should get the chance to do so.
This is why we have no restrictions on who can join. For example, while some orchestras may limit how many of each instrument they allow in, that's not the case at NESSOC.
It's also why we're a non-auditioned group and welcome anyone who wants to join.
Socialisation
It can be difficult to meet new people outside your place of work or education. However, people often make new friends while taking part in a shared hobby.
At NESSOC, all rehearsals have a break in the middle. This gives members the chance to grab some refreshments and socialise, if they feel comfortable.
We also have occasional socials outside of rehearsals, including post-rehearsal pub trips and Christmas meals.
Representation
There are certain types of music that are rarely performed in concerts, especially by orchestras. This is for many reasons, including cost and potential snobbish attitudes.
By focusing on music from the stage and screen, we can showcase more modern music from, for example, film and video games.
This also gives us more chances to perform music from composed by people from underrepresented races, genders and LGBTQ+ communities.
Everything that this group does is done with these values in mind and with the fundamental aim to be a place where people can have fun and put on performances that they can be proud of.
Our Committee:
Desmond (he/him) - Chairman - Musical Director
Why did you create NESSOC?
Making music as accessible as possible has always been important to me and I felt that there was room for a group that tried to achieve that in terms of location, cost and experience as well as by not having limits on member or instrument numbers. Having the opportunity to perform regularly as a choir and orchestra together also felt like a great bonus!
What musical experience do you have?
I started learning the piano from the age of 4 and clarinet from the age of 8, leading to me studying Music at Newcastle University, including a year studying abroad in the Conservatorio di Musica “Francesco Morlacchi” in Perugia, Italy. I have performed in many orchestras and choirs over the years and then, after graduating from university, I started conducting groups such as Newcastle University Wind Band, Newcastle Student Orchestra and Choir, Wallsend Community Choir and Harlekin Studio Opera.
Alice (she/her) - Secretary - Alto
Why did you join NESSOC?
I love being part of a community through music. I find singing is a great way for me to connect with other people, especially when we all have an interest in music from the stage and screen.
What has been your favourite piece in the repertoire so far?
I love a musical so usually those pieces are my favourites! I loved doing the Wicked and La La Land medleys.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining?
For anyone who is wanting to join a choir or an orchestra, NESSOC is a perfect place. Everyone is so welcoming and it's easy to have fun in such a relaxed environment. The people really make the journey from Morpeth worth it!
Lotte (she/her) - Treasurer - Alto/Tenor - Saxophone
Why did you join NESSOC?
I was initially looking for a relaxed orchestra where I could have some fun playing my sax. I didn't want anything auditioning or too formal, so NESSOC was perfect. Once I'd joined, I loved the vibe and so joined the choir too.
What has been your favourite piece in the repertoire so far?
I loved doing Beauty and the Beast - I really enjoyed both the choir and the orchestra parts so it was hard to choose which to do when it came to the concert! Either way, I love having the joint pieces, it's so much fun singing with an orchestra/playing with a choir
What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining?
Come along! We're a lovely group and you can never tell how you'll feel until you give it a go! Desmond is a great leader as well - very good at teaching and also helping us through more difficult sections!
Anne-Lise (she/her) - Publicity - Violin
Why did you join NESSOC?
I wanted to get back into playing violin and the fun music repertoire is a bonus! It’s also great that the rehearsals are in the city centre so it’s easy to travel on the Metro from Heaton.
What has been your favourite piece in the repertoire so far?
Either the How to Train Your Dragon or the Game of Thrones medley.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining?
We are a welcoming and friendly community. Don't hesitate to join us - just drop by a rehearsal.
Ariadne (she/her) - Publicity - Soprano
Why did you join NESSOC?
I love singing and wanted to join a group focused on that. I was drawn to NESSOC because of the broad range of music we do and I get to feel part of a community while sharing my love for music with others.
What has been your favourite piece in the repertoire so far?
My favourite piece would be the orchestra’s Jurassic Park medley as I’m a huge fan. I love the variety of music we do. Even though the repertoire is all from film, TV, musicals and video games, the pieces Desmond chooses span many genres - I like that there will be something in there everyone will love.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining?
Just do it! It’s a super fun group to join, everyone is friendly and helpful. It’s also great that the choir/orchestra is on alternative Tuesdays which means there is more flexibility to fit it in around other commitments.
Christian (he/him) - Committee Member - Tenor
Why did you join NESSOC?
I recently made the move from London to Newcastle and wanted to reconnect with my love of singing. When I saw an advert for NESSOC, it sounded like exactly what I was looking for, so I decided to give it a go. I've been singing with the choir ever since.
What has been your favourite piece in the repertoire so far?
I particularly enjoyed performing the Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and La-La Land medleys, Game of Thrones and Duel of the Fates from Star Wars. I love the challenge of learning demanding music, and there's nothing quite like seeing everything come together in performance.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining?
If you're thinking about joining, I'd definitely encourage you to come along and give it a try. We're a friendly and supportive group, and we'll make you feel welcome. Desmond is a great conductor. The rehearsals are well organised, and the venue is accessible and provides a warm, welcoming environment in which to learn new and challenging music. The social events are another highlight and a great way to get to know everyone. There's no pressure and no previous experience is required - just a love of music from the stage and screen.