Robin Li Laing

Helen Longmuir has departed from the Scottish Borders Community Orchestra (SBCO). But for every cloud, there is a silver lining and we are very happy to welcome Robin Li Laing, who recently joined the SBCO as General Manager. Having embarked on an advanced diploma in music industry management and marketing, Robin went on to work on a number of albums and projects, in a variety of musical genres, handling everything from sound and production to press and marketing. After taking time off to have her daughter Madeleine, Robin seized the opportunity to express her creative side, pouring her passion for vintage and responsibly-sourced fabrics into the launch of Clever Togs, which she will continue to run in addition to working here in a part-time capacity.

'I really enjoy the mix,' commented Robin, 'and striking this balance provides an opportunity to keep things fresh and yet also keeps me busy. It's been a great start already, in fact. I'm very keen to develop on the achievements of my predecessors and to make my own mark as well.'

SBCO has a busy schedule for Autumn 2009, with instrumental groups for flutes, cellos, woodwind and strings, giving players of all ages and stages the opportunity to enjoy playing together. They also have the launch of the new SBCO tuned percussion course; held at Hawick High School, working with professional percussion tutors, the next session will be on Sunday 25 October 2009.

The music studied will be featured in the SBCO family concert on Sunday 15 November 2009 at 3pm, entitled 'A Viennese Afternoon' and featuring Lehar's Overture to The Merry Widow, Berg's Violin Concerto and Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, with conductor Justin Fung and soloist Sian Phillips, who will be playing the Berg with the Vienna Philharmonic in 2010.

SBCO has recently launched the SBCO Network, a social networking site for all Friends of SBCO at www.sbconetwork.ning.com.

Robin believes passionately in the ethos of the SBCO - to enable musicians of all ages and abilities to enjoy playing together, and to bring that music to as many people in as many situations as possible. She's looking forward to helping SBCO to achieve its aim to enable as many people as possible to participate in making music and to enable people in all situations in the Scottish Borders to hear live orchestral music.

Information: www.sbco.org.uk

Posted: 23 October 2009

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