THE
DORSET ACCORDION ORCHESTRA
WELCOME TO THE
DORSET ACCORDION ORCHESTRA (D.A.O.)
Creating music & memories through friendship & laughter
Based in Bournemouth Dorset, the D.A.O. is a group of passionate accordion players who come together weekly to create and perform music in a warm friendly safe environment.
With over 20 members playing a range of different styles of music including classical, contemporary, musicals and music from around the world, our ethos is to play, perform and promote the accordion instrument throughout the South of England with a smile.
Do you play the accordion?
Would you like to play along with others?
Are you looking for a new challenge?
Can you play the piano and would like to try something new?
Are you an accomplished percussionist?
If any of the above strike a chord with you, reach out to us, we would love to hear from you!
REHEARSALS
The orchestra rehearses in the hall of St Andrew's Church in Kinson, Bournemouth every Monday evening, meeting at 6:30pm and rehearsing between 7:00pm to 8:45pm with a short break. It is a very spacious hall with superb acoustics and clean amenities, along with a large car park with good access. Please drop in and see us!
St Andrew's Church Hall, Millhams Road, Kinson, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7LN.
PERFORMANCES
The orchestra performs concerts and shows at various venues and events throughout the year. Each performance is specifically tailored to the individual audiences and can include solos and duets if appropriate. If you would like the orchestra to perform at your event, please contact us below and Graham, our bookings manager will be in touch swiftly.
MEET OUR MUSICAL DIRECTOR - ANDY HAGUE
Andy began his musical journey at the tender age of 3, being able to read and write music before being able to read a book! Studying the accordion along with the cornet, organ and percussion, he spent his youth playing in brass bands and accordion orchestras whilst progressing through the grades and competing in regional and national competitions and festivals.
His professional career has seen him travel the world as a singer, yodeller and accordionist whilst entertaining in such venues as the Birmingham NEC and the Bournemouth International Centre, along with orchestral work in London's Royal Parks and Cameron Macintosh's show 'Oliver!' in the London Palladium.
His career came to a sudden stop in the summer of 2013, suffering a severe stroke at the age of 37. With an uncertain future ahead, Andy was forced to give up singing and playing the keys to focus on his recovery.
Fast forward to late 2019, Andy was encouraged to pick up the accordion again by his good friend, and then D.A.O Musical Director Sammie Peckover. After playing with the orchestra for a short time, Sammie passed the MD Baton to Andy in 2020 reigniting his passion for music once again.
"It is simply a delight to direct the orchestra. The members are fantastic and there is such a lovely relaxed atmosphere in our rehearsals. Although I have studied through the ranks and grades, I really lean more towards my performing experiences and drawing on the emotions of the audiences when working with the orchestra. If we enjoy our rehearsals/concerts and our audiences leave with a smile, then we are achieving our goal."
Andy does provide private lessons on the accordion from his base in Poole or via Zoom over the internet. If this is of interest please reach out to Andy via the contact form below or give him a call : 07976 850418.
OUR SUPPORTED 2022 CHARITY
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Each year our Orchestra chooses a Charity to support, and in 2022 we are proud to be supporting 'Help Musicians', previously the Musician's Benevolent Fund. We do this by raising funds through our public performances and donations.
Help Musicians is a charity that loves music and for over 100 years has been working hard to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians across the UK. We want to create a world where musicians thrive.
A musicians’ life can be precarious with ups and downs throughout a career. Opportunities must be hard-won, whilst challenges come along all too easily, with unsteady income and physical and mental health concerns common issues to navigate. In addition, training can take many years and, along with investing in instruments and other equipment, puts up financial barriers to creative progression. Help Musicians offers a broad range of help to support music creators in times of crisis and opportunity - ensuring musicians across the UK can achieve their creative potential and sustain a career in music.
Sadly, the impact of the pandemic means the charity is needed more than ever. Last year we were able to provide financial hardship support to over 19,000 music creators and increase access to our mental health services by 40%.
Love Music: Help Musicians.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, queries or enquiries please reach out to us via the contact form below and we will be in touch asap. Alternatively, you can message us through our Facebook page.
