English Schools’ Orchestra and Choir
2020 Annual Report
2020 was a much quieter year for the English Schools’ Orchestra due to the restrictions on our activities caused by the Pandemic. However, we did take the opportunity to develop many aspects of the orchestra and improve our administration.
Recruitment for the October 2020 course was extremely successful with a large number of new students and new schools applying and being accepted. Following the cancellation of the October course, we had a huge response in terms of students wishing to attend an alternative course in February. We explored the options of remote rehearsals, individual workshops and other opportunities to join together. We also launched the ESO Mentor Scheme, putting more structure to the recruitment of mentors to help students develop during the course and consider their career opportunities as a professional musician. This was aimed at prior ESO musicians now in their final year of University/Music College or in postgraduate education. It was then widened to include any talented students in their final year of postgraduate education who were looking to become a professional musician.
All 2020 students were offered a guaranteed place on the 2021 course and we were delighted to be able to retain a large proportion of the new students attracted in 2020, as well as additional new and returning students.
The orchestra website has been refreshed with new features, such as “meet the team” to showcase our talented team of sectional tutors and course staff. During lockdown, we focussed activities on our website and twitter and on external online performing opportunities such as Jess Gillam’s Virtual Scratch Orchestra.
Under the auspices of the ESO Charity The English Young Artists’ Sinfonia performed to a packed St Bartholomew’s Church in the City Music Festival in February 2020.
English Schools' Orchestra 1st January to 31st December 2020
| Receipts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Receipts for 2019 concert | 4,244.00 | |
| 2020 Other events | 4,659.71 | |
| 2020 Course and Concert | ||
| Student fees (Cfwd to 2021) | 9,413.00 | |
| 2020/2021 Sponsorship | 26,160.00 | |
| 2016-2019 | HMRC Gift Aid | 376.15 |
| 2020 | Bank interest | 121.87 |
| Total Income | 44,974.73 | |
| Payments | ||
| 2020 Other events | -5,747.30 | |
| 2020 Course and Concert (cancelled) | -2,769.55 | |
| Printing and Postage | -346.98 | |
| Sponsorship/trustee | exps | -64.00 |
| Insurance | -483.00 | |
| Office & Admin costs | -885.77 | |
| Misc | -14.49 | |
| Total Expenditure | -10,311.09 | |
| Income over Expenditure | 34,663.64 | |
| Balance bfwd from 31st December 2019 | 87,484.19 | |
| Plus Income - Expenditure 2020 | 34,663.64 | |
| Balance cfwd 1st January 2021 | 122,147.83 | |
| Balance in all accounts 31 December 2020 | 122,147.83 |
English Schools, Orchestra and Choir Income and Expend5ture- January tst to December 3tst 2020 Auditor's Certificate I have examined the above Income and Expenditure Account with the books, records and vouchers of the En8lish Schoots, Orchestra and Choir and certify the same to be in accordance therewith. To the best of my knowledge and belief the sums property due have been received and the payments have been property made. Date u8( zuzi Si8ned Name Address QLoTkiML HCJL)SL £ CPL{Pt)Ql