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 25 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 strikes a chord with you, reach out to us, we would love to hear from you!
Photography by Richard Crease
Videography by Rob Haywood & Andy Hague
RECENT & UPCOMING SHOWS
Saturday 7th December 2024 : St Andrews Church, Kinson : PUBLIC : TBC
Tuesday 22nd October 2024 : Ferndown Blind Club : PRIVATE
Saturday 13th July 2024 : Summer Concert : St Mary's Catholic Church, Poole : PUBLIC
Thursday 13th June 2024 : Friendship Club, Verwood : PRIVATE
Thursday 30th May 2024 : Trefoil Club, Ferndown : PRIVATE
Sunday 26th May 2024 : Picnic & Play Event, Alderholt : PUBLIC (Please contact for further details)
Saturday 9th March 2024 : St James' Church, Alderholt : PUBLIC
Saturday 9th December 2023 : Christmas Concert : St Andrew's Church, Kinson : PUBLIC
Thursday 16th November 2023 : Ladies Friendship Group : PRIVATE
Tuesday 10th October 2023 : Ferndown Blind Club : PRIVATE
Saturday 15th July 2023 : Retired Nurses National Home : PRIVATE
Saturday 8th July 2023 : Joint Summer Concert With The Kennet Accordion Orchestra : St Andrew's Church, Kinson : PUBLIC
Friday 16th June 2023 : Amazing Greys Club, Kinson : PRIVATE
Thursday 25th May 2023 : Trefoil Club, Ferndown : PRIVATE
Monday 3rd April 2023 : Streets Meadows Care Home, Wimborne : PRIVATE
Saturday 10th December 2022 : St Andrew's Church, Kinson : PUBLIC
Thursday 1st December 2022 : Go Ahead Ladies Club, Broadstone : PRIVATE
Monday 21st November 2022 : Streets Meadows Care Home, Wimborne : PRIVATE
Friday 11th November 2022 : Riverdale Court, Christchurch : PRIVATE
Friday 7th October 2022 : Over 60's Club, Poole : PRIVATE
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.
SUPPORTING OUR 2024 SELECTED CHARITY
The MS Centre at West Parley is a Day and Therapy Centre for people and families in Dorset who are living with Multiple Sclerosis.
The centre is located in Church Lane, West Parley and opened in 1985. It is is independent from the MS Society and is now a 'stand-alone' charity providing support for those with Multiple Sclerosis, a neurological disease. As the disease progresses people may become isolated so the centre is a hub for social support, friendship and practical resources such as Physiotherapy, Yoga, and crafts.
Social activities include morning coffee and biscuits, a subsidised 2 course lunch and an afternoon cup of tea. There is a charity shop, a hairdresser, and a Quiet Room for a nap if needed. There is a modern fleet of adapted minibuses to ferry the members in safety to and from the centre.
The centre could not operate without the hard work and goodwill of a team of volunteers (more are always welcome) who drive buses, help with catering, run the shop, socialise with and support our members.
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.
