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James Wolfe
Musical Director / Conductor
James studied Clarinet and Saxophone at Trinity College of Music London. He has enjoyed a varied teaching career at Harrow Music Service. James has pursued an active conducting life and has held professional conducting posts inclusive of Barnet Band and Hertfordshire Concert Band, Mill Hill Operatic Society, Finchley Symphonic Wind Orchestra. His great love of musical theatre music comes from his pit band playing experience in numerous shows and operas at Holland Park Theatre. James continues his orchestral playing in various orchestras.
Mel Nicholls
Founder
Mel founded the City Showtunes Orchestra (CSO) in September 2012 so that City-based musicians could get together to play well-loved music in a welcoming and sociable environment. Other orchestras tend to follow a set format so Mel felt there was room for a more fun, less formulaic orchestra, and she encourages CSO members to request music that they’d like to play.
Mel started learning the flute aged 11, and went on to teach herself the piano and guitar. Music is a big part of her life and she has played in orchestras at school, church, university and then in The City when she moved to London in 2000. She warmly welcomes players of all standards to come along to a rehearsal to see if the City Showtunes Orchestra is for them!
CSO Committee
The City Showtunes Orchestra relies on the hard work of our committee to help out with various roles behind-the-scenes. They are all volunteers and members of the orchestra.
Our values
City Showtunes Orchestra is an inclusive orchestra for all players of all levels
We like trying new things but the majority of music we play is show tunes, TV and film music. Perfection to us is the joy of playing as a group and the sense of community it brings rather than getting every note right.
We acknowledge that life gets in the way sometimes but we are committed to attending rehearsals regularly and getting some practice in during the week. Our tea breaks are sacred!
Raising money for charities that resonate with us is a huge part of our ethos. Charities wesupport are chosen by our members out of causes close to our hearts.
