The String Orchestra is a friendly ensemble for beginning string players, who have completed their first year of lessons. It caters for those between Grade 1 and Grade 2/3.

Conductor - Marj Partridge

Marj’s music education began with piano lessons, but it was only when she started violin at the age of 13 that she discovered the real thrill of music; playing with other people.

After graduating in Music and Psychology from Glasgow University, Marj taught music in secondary schools before moving to a job teaching violin to all ages.  She became involved with BMYO when looking for suitable group music-making to provide encouragement for some of her private pupils and helped out in a voluntary capacity from 1998 as her two girls progressed through the orchestras.  Marj took over the String Orchestra in 2005, building it up from a small band to its current size in just two years.  Most of those early members are now in the older orchestras – it’s great to see them progress!  Marj has enjoyed playing in orchestras since her teenage years and still plays regularly with Glasgow Sinfonia as well as teaching in 8 schools in Stirlingshire.

The string orchestra has two assistants who are BMYO graduates, Shona Partridge and David Titterington.

Here is a photograph of our String Orchestra at a recent practise night :