Whilst gathering my thoughts for this year’s annual report it dawned on me that Chordis’s first ever practice was on the 9[th] September 2017 and what a successful and vibrant orchestra it has been and still is. Back in 2017 we were unsure of how many musicians would turn up and support this vision and believe it or not, we still have this scenario at every meeting. This seems to be a common theme through all my reports!
A meeting was held with buddies’ and staff to explore different ideas. There are a few ideas about widening the parameters of Chordis, to include brass, a piano club and setting up an Alumni Group. These are in the infancy and the logistics of carrying this out needs careful planning if it is to be successful and of course funds!
As per last year we concentrated on the Christmas concert, Music for Youth, and the summer concert.
Prior to the Christmas concert, the senior strings were in invited to play at St Cadoc’s Church annual Holocaust concert. This was a unique experience, it was a great honour not only to asked, but to showcase out talents to the wider community in such a moving and poignant service.
The Christmas concert was held at The Ponthir Village Hall, simply due the numbers and after only two practices, we managed to entertain the audience and get you all in the festive mood with mulled wine and cake.
This year Chordis hosted the local independent regional round of Music for Youth (MFY) at Caerleon Comprehensive school and what a success this was. Eighteen varying groups performed over the course of the day. It caused a lot of headaches because this was the biggest event we had organised and needed it to go well. I can report it didn’t just go well, it went fantastic and as a result Caerleon Comprehensive now wish for this regional heat for MFY to be held at their school under the banner of Chordis again. We owe the school a huge debt of gratitude from the Head Teacher’s support, the Deputy Head Teacher’s active contribution by comparing the whole day, to the music teachers themselves.
We were also extremely lucky again to have the services of an independent music mentor from MFY, who gave some amazing feedback on the two sessions held. It always amazes me, how they can with very little written notes say something which is so unique to each group and always extract the positives. I along with all the Chordis staff / buddies thoroughly enjoyed this day.
Yet again, Chordis has had the success of being selected to participate in the National Festival for MFY at Birmingham on Saturday 8[th] July 2023. This doesn’t just happen by chance but is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of the performers.
As I have outlined in last year’s report, this is now a group is considerably smaller than it was pre Covid. However, we have managed to secure the funds for 3 x pianos from a legacy left to the orchestra to set up a piano group and this began in May 2023 and adds a new dimension to the orchestra and also some new members, who have settled in so well – it is like they were always a part of the orchestra.
The good news doesn’t stop here. Jenny James and Mark Bennett have also had their first child. Mila was born 01/11/2022. Congratulations to both sets of parents.
The Chordis Summer concert was held at St Cadoc’s Church, Caerleon. We are indeed very grateful to the Reverend Sue Pratten for allowing us the use of this magnificent church and we were happy to also support the St Cadoc’s Church appeal fund by donating 50% of the concert taking to this worthwhile cause.
During the last 5 years, Chordis have had the unreserved support of Ponthir Village Hall’s Trustees and the management committee, especially Leanne the new manager. Adrian, Amanda and the team at Eventz who supply most of our percussion instruments, along with technical support.
Mr Peter James, Chordis Caerllion’s Musical Director. Indeed, a remarkable man who energy, wisdom and enthusiasm can motivate these young musicians to play beautiful music and without whom none of this vision would have ever happened.
Our talented students, staff and buddies for their commitment and hard work, especially, Rosie, Dan, Jenny, Deborah James, Serrenni, Adam and Angharad.
On a sad note, I will be stepping down as Chair and trustee of this Charity after 5 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time. I have had the pleasure of seeing some extraordinary talents, been to so many unique places supporting you all, Cheltenham, Birmingham Symphony Hall and to St Malo on tour to name but a few and I have enjoyed every minute. I’m sure you will give the new chair all the support that you have given me, and I thank you for your friendship, making me so welcome and letting me into your little family.
Good luck for the future, I will be keeping a keen interest in all that do in the future years, and I am sure you haven’t seen the last of me.
William Beese
Chair
@ccaerllion Chordis Caerllion
Registered Charity Number 1178750
CHORDIS CAERLLION Charity Accounts 31 August 2023
CHORDIS CAERLLION Balance Sheet As at 31 August 2023
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amount falling due within one year Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets Capital and reserves Capital b/fwd Net profit/loss for the year |
2023 £ 6,351 6,351 2,981 (997) 1,984 8,335 8,335 8,309 26 8,335 |
2022 £ 5,777 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,777 3,282 (750) |
||
| 2,532 | ||
| 8,309 | ||
| 8,309 | ||
| 9,108 (799) |
||
| 8,309 |
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CHORDIS CAERLLION Detailed Profit and Loss Account
For the year ended 31 August 2023
| Turnover Membership fee income Concert and Ticket Sales Clothing and Merchandise Refreshments Trips and Tour Donations and Grants Fundraising Income Other Income Gross profit Administrative expenses Sheet Music Music Tutors Merchandise Costs Concert and Rehearsal Costs Storage Costs Travel and Subsistence Bank Charges Depreciation Charge: Plant & Machinery Insurance Stationery, Printing & Postage Food and Canteen costs Gifts Donations Licenses and Subscriptions Operating profit/(loss) Profit/Loss on ordinary activities before taxation Profit/Loss for the financial year |
- 1,577 - 892 636 725 42 777 135 532 328 130 465 236 |
2023 £ 2,300 1,905 120 257 410 1,495 - 14 6,501 6,501 (6,475) 26 26 26 |
65 1,500 150 2,146 795 750 70 642 135 326 364 100 - 313 |
2022 £ 3,625 1,670 137 182 400 372 171 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,557 | ||||
| 6,557 (7,356) |
||||
| (799) | ||||
| (799) | ||||
| (799) |
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