The Acoustic Roots Orchestra is a great opportunity for school-aged musicians to play music together. This group combines all the kids who already play in the full ensemble with beginners who learn a smaller repertoire of music. ARO members learn the music through their school programs, private music teachers and/or on their own and are invited to join the full ensemble for certain rehearsals. Explore different roots genres including country, bluegrass, western swing, old-time, Cajun, Celtic rock and more! Rehearsals start in January and are listed below. The Acoustic Roots Orchestra will perform as part of the NH Stringfest on Saturday, March 11 in Manchester, NH.

Exeter: Exeter Recreation Department, 32 Court St, Exeter, NH

Manchester: Please inquire about address

Tilton: Tilton Senior Center, 11 Grange Rd, Tilton, NH

Tamworth: UU Fellowship of the Eastern Slopes, 30 Tamworth Rd, Tamworth, NH

Milford: 102 Elm St, Milford, NH

Kittery: Kittery Community Center, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery, ME

Westbrook: Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge St, Westbrook, ME

Generally, musicians choose to attend the rehearsal group that is closest to them. However, anyone from any group is welcome to go to any rehearsals. You could even attend more than one in a week. Please try not to miss rehearsals. Each rehearsal is recorded and made available for members to view at a later date.

All rehearsals are also available via Zoom.

REHEARSAL 1 - Includes Acoustic Roots Orchestra members for first 30 minutes

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

6:30 - 8:00pm - ALL ZOOM  

Learn: Down Home Rag

REHEARSAL 2 - Includes Acoustic Roots Orchestra members for first 30 minutes

Monday, January 9, 2023 from 5:00 - 6:30pm in Milford

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:30pm in Tamworth

Tuesday, January 17, 2023 from 6:30 - 7:30pm Zoom Rhythm

Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Manchester (with Betsy Heron)

Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Kittery (Live or Zoom)

Friday, January 20, 2023 from 5:00 - 6:30pm in Tilton

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Westbrook

Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Exeter upstairs (with Betsy Heron)

Review: Down Home Rag

Learn: Long Journey Home

Preview: Built for Comfort, Christy Barry's Jig

REHEARSAL 3 - Includes Acoustic Roots Orchestra members for first 45 minutes

Monday, January 23, 2023 from 5:00 - 6:30pm in Milford

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:30pm in Tamworth

Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 6:30 - 7:30pm Zoom Rhythm

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Manchester

Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Kittery

Friday, February 3, 2023 from 5:00 - 6:30pm in Tilton

Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Westbrook

Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Exeter downstairs (Live or Zoom)

Review: Down Home Rag, Long Journey Home

Learn: Built for Comfort, Christy Barry's Jig

Preview: Ten Penny Bit

REHEARSAL 4 - Includes Acoustic Roots Orchestra members for first 45 minutes

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:30pm in Tamworth

Monday, February 13, 2023 from 5:00 - 6:30pm in Milford

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 6:30 - 7:30pm Zoom Rhythm

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Manchester (with Betsy Heron)

Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Kittery (Live or Zoom)

Friday, February 17, 2023 from 5:00 - 6:30pm in Tilton (with Shana)

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Westbrook

Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Exeter upstairs (with Betsy Heron)

Review: Down Home Rag, Long Journey Home, Built for Comfort, Christy Barry's Jig

Learn: Ten Penny Bit

Friday, March 3, 2023 from 5:00 - 6:30pm Location TBA

Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 3:00pm

As part of the NHASTA Stringfest

Manchester Community Music School, 2291 Elm St, Manchester, NH

Questions? Contact Ellen at info@nhfiddleensemble.org