The Borders Orchestra / Orchestra y Ffiniau History
Ken Sage (1946-2014) was founder of The Borders Orchestra / Orchestra Y Ffiniau and its Musical Director from 1974 to 2014. The stories and pictures below demonstrate the musical knowledge and skills Ken enjoyed and generously shared with the community orchestra for almost 40 years. The pleasure of orchestral playing continues with high as ever membership and regular concerts.
The orchestra history is presented by decade, starting with the 1970’s.
1970's
It was October 4th 1974 when an article in a local newspaper read;
“The prospect – or spectre-of a Portsmouth-style Saltney Symphony Orchestra is held out by a call from a local schoolmaster this week.”
This had been instigated by Ken. He wanted to meet local people who shared his absorbing interest in instrumental music with the aim of forming an orchestra of some standing. The invitation was for experienced adults who had ever played an instrument and lack of expertise or recent practice would not debar them. Ken quoted, “We are looking for people with sufficient interest to ‘give it a go’”
St. David’s Music Society was born and rehearsals were held in the school as part of their evening class programme with 6 people, that rose to 14 and then 20 by March 1975.
The Advertiser newspaper, Thursday 6th March 1975 read:
The "Quality of life” experiment, a government sponsored project which hopes to improve leisure facilities and functions in the Delyn and Alyn/Deeside area is helping the Saltney Orchestra to get "'off the ground" and is also planning to buy enough sheet music to form a music library which will be incorporated into the County Library and made available to other amateur orchestras in the area.
The orchestra was started in September last year, by Mr. Ken Sage, a music teacher at St. David's High School, Saltney. There are about 30 members - mainly adults - coming from Saltney, Broughton, Chester and surrounding areas - but there's plenty of room for more players.
The initial idea according to Mr Sage is that people should come along and enjoy themselves. The standard is not too high because, some of the players have not played for about 25 years and others are starting to learn new instruments. Limited instruction is given during rehearsals.
On a more serious note, Ken explains that, when children who have belonged to a school orchestra leave school, only a small number can be involved in professional orchestras, so there is a great need for an amateur orchestra of this kind.
Mr Sage reported that “most of our players wouldn’t have a chance at playing in an orchestra, but we get together and really enjoy our music” and that “no matter how much I shout, they always come back for more”.
The "Quality of life” experiment, a government sponsored project which hopes to improve leisure facilities and functions in the Delyn and Alyn/Deeside area is helping the Saltney Orchestra to get "'off the ground" and is also planning to buy enough sheet music to form a music library which will be incorporated into the County Library and made available to other amateur orchestras in the area.
The orchestra was started in September last year, by Mr. Ken Sage, a music teacher at St. David's High School, Saltney. There are about 30 members - mainly adults - coming from Saltney, Broughton, Chester and surrounding areas - but there's plenty of room for more players.
The initial idea according to Mr Sage is that people should come along and enjoy themselves. The standard is not too high because, some of the players have not played for about 25 years and others are starting to learn new instruments. Limited instruction is given during rehearsals.
On a more serious note, Ken explains that, when children who have belonged to a school orchestra leave school, only a small number can be involved in professional orchestras, so there is a great need for an amateur orchestra of this kind.
Mr Sage reported that “most of our players wouldn’t have a chance at playing in an orchestra, but we get together and really enjoy our music” and that “no matter how much I shout, they always come back for more”.
The orchestra began playing music from ‘blue and yellow books’, Orchestral Transcriptions by L Weaver and Ken was able to borrow music from the County Music Library, but he soon began sourcing funding for music sets. Ken welcomed new and returning players, young and old, often with the encouraging advice of “just play the first note in the bar”.
The orchestra changed its name to Saltney Community Orchestra when it was being supported by the local community council.
Over the last 40 years both the orchestra and library have had a number of homes and traumas.
Over the last 40 years both the orchestra and library have had a number of homes and traumas.
Ken carried on directing the orchestra until his death in February 2014, determined to maintain his philosophy to promote, improve and develop an enjoyment of playing light orchestral music, irrespective of age and ability. He also continued to buy sets of music the last being ‘Tunes from the Trenches ‘to be part of a selection of music to commemorate the outbreak of World War 1.
Ken gave many people with no experience of orchestral playing the opportunity to make music. That legacy continues to this day with members of varying ages and abilities who meet regularly to “play on” and “give it a go”.
The Orchestra Today
In January 2016, orchestral members voted that the name of the orchestra be known by its English name “The Borders Orchestra” as being easier to pronounce whilst still keeping the identity of the Welsh name "Orchestra y Ffiniau".
In January 2016, orchestral members voted that the name of the orchestra be known by its English name “The Borders Orchestra” as being easier to pronounce whilst still keeping the identity of the Welsh name "Orchestra y Ffiniau".
Music
The orchestra plays from a populist repertoire with music from shows, classics and novelty pieces. Anything from Pirates of the Caribbean to Zadok the Priest, Mary Poppins to Mars: The Bringer of War.
The orchestra plays from a populist repertoire with music from shows, classics and novelty pieces. Anything from Pirates of the Caribbean to Zadok the Priest, Mary Poppins to Mars: The Bringer of War.
Conductors
Ken Sage 1974 - 2014
David Evans 2014 - 2015
Simon Rowland – Assistant Conductor 2012 - 2016
Liam Crawford 2015 - 2024
Simon Rowland 2024
Ken Sage 1974 - 2014
David Evans 2014 - 2015
Simon Rowland – Assistant Conductor 2012 - 2016
Liam Crawford 2015 - 2024
Simon Rowland 2024
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The summer concert 8 July 2016 took place at Broughton School. It was Simon’s last night as assistant conductor. He is pictured (on the right) being presented with gifts from the orchestra by the committee chair for his role as assistant conductor 2012-2016.
Photograph: Anya Bos |
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The orchestra in 2016, with conductor Liam Crawford
Orchestra Leaders
John Jones
Craig Clewley
Karen Pearson
John Jones
Craig Clewley
Karen Pearson
Rehearsal Venues
Our orchestra continues to provide the space and opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities to join together and make music. Rehearsals provide a warm and friendly atmosphere to promote, improve and develop an enjoyment of playing together irrespective of ability. Rehearsal venues have included:
Our orchestra continues to provide the space and opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities to join together and make music. Rehearsals provide a warm and friendly atmosphere to promote, improve and develop an enjoyment of playing together irrespective of ability. Rehearsal venues have included:
- St. David’s High School, Saltney
- St. Mary’s Church Hall, Broughton
- Scout Hut, Broughton
- St. Mary’s Church, Broughton
Concert Venues
An important aspect is the orchestra’s involvement of communities and fund raising activities including for example, splitting the proceeds of concert ticket sales with venues in village halls, schools, churches, church halls and civic centres in Broughton, Carmel, Connah’s Quay, Ewloe, Northop, Saltney, Sealand and Llay. Beyond the occasional miss-played note, there have been some other memorable incidents:
Blackout Christmas: The Christmas concern due to be held Friday 17 December 2013 in St Bartholomew’s Church, Sealand was cancelled: as conductor Ken raised his baton the lights went out. In years gone by candles would have been lit, adding some seasonal cheer. This time mobile phones emerged providing some illumination but not enough to light the music. The concert was re-arranged for the following summer.
Bringing the house down: On Friday, 18 December 2015 the Christmas concert was held in St. Mary’s Church, Broughton; the performance of Pirates of the Caribbean literally brought the roof down, as the church was closed the following day requiring urgent structural repairs.
An important aspect is the orchestra’s involvement of communities and fund raising activities including for example, splitting the proceeds of concert ticket sales with venues in village halls, schools, churches, church halls and civic centres in Broughton, Carmel, Connah’s Quay, Ewloe, Northop, Saltney, Sealand and Llay. Beyond the occasional miss-played note, there have been some other memorable incidents:
Blackout Christmas: The Christmas concern due to be held Friday 17 December 2013 in St Bartholomew’s Church, Sealand was cancelled: as conductor Ken raised his baton the lights went out. In years gone by candles would have been lit, adding some seasonal cheer. This time mobile phones emerged providing some illumination but not enough to light the music. The concert was re-arranged for the following summer.
Bringing the house down: On Friday, 18 December 2015 the Christmas concert was held in St. Mary’s Church, Broughton; the performance of Pirates of the Caribbean literally brought the roof down, as the church was closed the following day requiring urgent structural repairs.
Long Serving Members
Ben (French Horn and Violin)
Elaine Berridge (Timpani)
Fred Berridge (Double Bass and Concert manager)
Gwyneth Hughes (Oboe)
Karen Pearson (Violin)
Rhona Owens (Violin)
Ben (French Horn and Violin)
Elaine Berridge (Timpani)
Fred Berridge (Double Bass and Concert manager)
Gwyneth Hughes (Oboe)
Karen Pearson (Violin)
Rhona Owens (Violin)
Below of some of the long serving members’ accounts and stories about life in the orchestra:
Ben
In about 1984 I was invited to play as a guest 2nd violin, by Ken Sage. The orchestra met in the Music room at St Davis's school, and there were about 18 people at rehearsals. I believe it ranked as an evening class, and we paid about £2 a term subscription. I played violin occasionally to help out, and in 1987 took up the French horn, moving to second horn in 1989, with Jo Sanderson as 1st. When Jo left I became 1st horn and remained so until dental problems led to me to give up the instrument in 2012, when I moved to my present position in the 1st violins.
This orchestra has always been very pleasant to play in, with an informality and warmth that gives a real sense of involvement and participation. I have no doubt that these qualities derive from Ken Sage's outgoing personality and his encouragement to members to do their best: I shall always value his letting me play horn when I had studied it for a bare 2 years.
Ben
In about 1984 I was invited to play as a guest 2nd violin, by Ken Sage. The orchestra met in the Music room at St Davis's school, and there were about 18 people at rehearsals. I believe it ranked as an evening class, and we paid about £2 a term subscription. I played violin occasionally to help out, and in 1987 took up the French horn, moving to second horn in 1989, with Jo Sanderson as 1st. When Jo left I became 1st horn and remained so until dental problems led to me to give up the instrument in 2012, when I moved to my present position in the 1st violins.
This orchestra has always been very pleasant to play in, with an informality and warmth that gives a real sense of involvement and participation. I have no doubt that these qualities derive from Ken Sage's outgoing personality and his encouragement to members to do their best: I shall always value his letting me play horn when I had studied it for a bare 2 years.
Elaine and Fred
Elaine and I were friends of Ken Sage from 1970. In 1974 Ken proposed starting an orchestra with parents of the school band.
Elaine wanted to play drums so Ken coached her in percussion. I was organist/pianist but Ken said No keyboards and I ended up with the Double Bass (Ken said "It's the same as the left hand on a piano). Since 1974, Elaine and I have played in various bands and orchestras in Flintshire and Merseyside. To date 42 years plus with "Borders". The orchestra has had some difficult times mainly with where to practice, but we survived and played in many places in Flintshire and Denbighshire to packed audiences. Currently we are 30 plus and in good proportions, playing a much varied programme, under our current Music Director.
Elaine and I were friends of Ken Sage from 1970. In 1974 Ken proposed starting an orchestra with parents of the school band.
Elaine wanted to play drums so Ken coached her in percussion. I was organist/pianist but Ken said No keyboards and I ended up with the Double Bass (Ken said "It's the same as the left hand on a piano). Since 1974, Elaine and I have played in various bands and orchestras in Flintshire and Merseyside. To date 42 years plus with "Borders". The orchestra has had some difficult times mainly with where to practice, but we survived and played in many places in Flintshire and Denbighshire to packed audiences. Currently we are 30 plus and in good proportions, playing a much varied programme, under our current Music Director.
Karen
"In 1969 Flintshire County Council took the decision to set up a peripatetic music service in High Schools in the county and I was lucky to be part of the project and began learning to play the violin. My music teacher at the time was Ken sage and his dedication, enthusiasm and support was infectious and as young students music soon became a big part of our school life. Driven by Roland Morris, Director of Music for Flintshire at the time and all the music teachers, a youth orchestra was soon formed and I was a member of this and music brought me new friends and confidence.
I left school in 1974 and due to boundary changes Flintshire became Clwyd and I left the Orchestra to start a new life as an adult. Thankfully, that was not the end of my music making as Ken came up with the idea of forming a community orchestra and invited me along to be part of this. The rest they say is history.
The Orchestra has seen many different faces over the years. Some joined, left and some returned, some we sadly lost but are still remembered and will never be forgotten but the most important element is that the orchestra is still vibrant and full of enthusiastic people who love to make music and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat and meet up with friends.
I also play with other orchestras, play in quartets and have made many friends and none of this would have happened if I had said no back in 1974 to joining the orchestra."
"In 1969 Flintshire County Council took the decision to set up a peripatetic music service in High Schools in the county and I was lucky to be part of the project and began learning to play the violin. My music teacher at the time was Ken sage and his dedication, enthusiasm and support was infectious and as young students music soon became a big part of our school life. Driven by Roland Morris, Director of Music for Flintshire at the time and all the music teachers, a youth orchestra was soon formed and I was a member of this and music brought me new friends and confidence.
I left school in 1974 and due to boundary changes Flintshire became Clwyd and I left the Orchestra to start a new life as an adult. Thankfully, that was not the end of my music making as Ken came up with the idea of forming a community orchestra and invited me along to be part of this. The rest they say is history.
The Orchestra has seen many different faces over the years. Some joined, left and some returned, some we sadly lost but are still remembered and will never be forgotten but the most important element is that the orchestra is still vibrant and full of enthusiastic people who love to make music and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat and meet up with friends.
I also play with other orchestras, play in quartets and have made many friends and none of this would have happened if I had said no back in 1974 to joining the orchestra."
Gwyneth
I do not remember exactly when I joined the orchestra but it was probably 1985 or 1986. I was playing oboe in orchestra with Alan Thomas and it was he who told me about this orchestra which was rehearsing at St David's School in Saltney at that time. I went to see the orchestra in a concert in the School hall and joined shortly afterwards. Alun Thomas deserves a mention as a long standing member. He was a member before I joined and only 'retired' from the orchestra two or three years ago. Over the years there have been other oboists who have come and gone, but most of the time it was just Alun and myself in our section.
When we were based at St David's School. Ken sometimes played the piano whilst conducting us - I preferred it when he conducted us!
Sometimes we had music written for 1st and 2nd oboes and sometimes it was just for one oboe and we doubled up playing the same part. To avoid this, I went through a phase of transposing some of the bassoon music to play on the Cor Anglais, as we did not have a bassoonist at the time. Occasionally I played a flute part (provided it did not go too high) if we were short of flautists.
We probably fell short of Ken’s expectations at times, but sometimes it didn't feel fair! Our concerts were less formal than those of some orchestras and Ken would introduce each piece to the audience, sometimes with jokes. He sometimes told us jokes as well; perhaps he was testing them out on us first!
I do not remember exactly when I joined the orchestra but it was probably 1985 or 1986. I was playing oboe in orchestra with Alan Thomas and it was he who told me about this orchestra which was rehearsing at St David's School in Saltney at that time. I went to see the orchestra in a concert in the School hall and joined shortly afterwards. Alun Thomas deserves a mention as a long standing member. He was a member before I joined and only 'retired' from the orchestra two or three years ago. Over the years there have been other oboists who have come and gone, but most of the time it was just Alun and myself in our section.
When we were based at St David's School. Ken sometimes played the piano whilst conducting us - I preferred it when he conducted us!
Sometimes we had music written for 1st and 2nd oboes and sometimes it was just for one oboe and we doubled up playing the same part. To avoid this, I went through a phase of transposing some of the bassoon music to play on the Cor Anglais, as we did not have a bassoonist at the time. Occasionally I played a flute part (provided it did not go too high) if we were short of flautists.
We probably fell short of Ken’s expectations at times, but sometimes it didn't feel fair! Our concerts were less formal than those of some orchestras and Ken would introduce each piece to the audience, sometimes with jokes. He sometimes told us jokes as well; perhaps he was testing them out on us first!
Collaborations
4 July 1980
28 June 1984
Eva Warren (pianist), Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue for piano and orchestra.
27 June 1985
Eva Warren (pianist), Lizt’s Hungarian Fantasia for piano and orchestra.
29 June 1985
30 June 1998
Joanne Mason (soloist), Liz Gladman (accompanist).
6 November 2001
Mark Gairrusso (soloist), If I Were A Rich Man and The Fishermen of England.
4 November 2005
12 December 2009
Catherine Fahy (soloist), including Ave Vernum Corpus, Seren Y Nadolig.
19 June 2015
- Carolyn Crozier (pianist), Rachmaninov, Debussy and Mozart.
- St. David’s High School Concert Band.
28 June 1984
Eva Warren (pianist), Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue for piano and orchestra.
27 June 1985
Eva Warren (pianist), Lizt’s Hungarian Fantasia for piano and orchestra.
29 June 1985
- Ellesmere Port Amateur Operatic Society, de Paul’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (excerpts from).
- Stacie Hughes (solo pianist), playing Chopin’s Nocturne in A♭, Opus 32 No.32.
- The Hawarden Singers
30 June 1998
Joanne Mason (soloist), Liz Gladman (accompanist).
6 November 2001
Mark Gairrusso (soloist), If I Were A Rich Man and The Fishermen of England.
4 November 2005
- Llwynegrin Singers, 12 choral pieces including Let there be peace, Suo Gran and You’ll never walk alone.
- Elaine Jones (solo soprano), including O Wond`rous Heavenly Bread and The Carnival is over.
12 December 2009
Catherine Fahy (soloist), including Ave Vernum Corpus, Seren Y Nadolig.
19 June 2015
- Cor Meibion Brymbo / Brymbo male voice choir
- Lindsey Blair (solo flute),
- Rebecca Roberts (mezzo-soprano).
- Seren Haf Jones (solo harp)
