Carmarthen’s Rusty Players orchestra lands award-winning conductor with message for all musicians

Carmarthen’s community orchestra The Rusty Players has welcomed a new acclaimed conductor who is embracing musicians “from beginners to Grade 8”.

Award-winning composer and arranger Alex McGee, who has written nearly 40 original compositions, started leading the The Rusty Player’s Orchestra Carmarthen before Christmas. He was drawn to the role as it’s now the only amateur orchestra in the region offering regular, weekly rehearsals for musicians.

He is keen to attract more people and says it “doesn’t matter if they can only play three notes or are at Grade 8” as it’s a sociable amateur group for anyone who enjoys making music together.

“In this part of the world, we’re awash with brass bands and wind bands, but there was a void in the area for a community orchestra that meets every week with string players and caters for other instruments,” explained Alex.

“It’s good to have a group to bring different instruments together. People already in brass and wind bands may enjoy performing within a full orchestra as well and we’d welcome them.

“I’ve always felt music is an incredibly social thing – it’s a people thing.”

The Rusty Players amateur community groups – part of The People’s Orchestra charity – were set up to encourage more people to nurture their love of playing music, whatever their ability. Music played ranges from light classical to show tunes, pop music and film soundtracks.

Alex, who grew up in Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, got involved with the Rusty Players after spending a career in music. The 43-year-old studied Music at Cardiff University, has played in the highest ranked brass band in the country and spent 17 years as a teacher.

Alex moved back to Wales in 2022 with his wife to concentrate on composing music and conducting. He has a series of accolades to his name including Winner of the 2024 Cardiff University Brass Band Composition Competition and Winner of the 2024 Richmond Brass Band Composition Competition. He’s also musical director for the South Wales Police Band and National Police Memorial Day.

He leads the Rusty Players Orchestra for Carmarthen in friendly sessions every Thursday from 7.15pm to 9.15pm in Carmarthen Scouts Hall in Wood’s Row.

“What’s special about this group is that the style, skill and repertoire at Rusty Player’s Orchestra is so different,” said Alex. “I love seeing the progress of the members as there’s a real mix of people. Some started as children and are coming back to it years later while others have played all the way through.

“It doesn’t matter if you can play three notes or are up to Grade 8, you can be in this orchestra. I feel it’s important that you make sure that everyone who wants to be part of the orchestra can take part.

“I like the process of putting together a programme where all can enjoy playing the music.

“When you have an orchestra of mainly learners, the trick is to make sure there’s music they recognise. Having something familiar makes it easier. No-one wants to stare at a piece of music and think ‘I can’t get anything from this’.”

Alex adds that he’s blessed with musicians in the region due to Carmarthen’s educational approach to encouraging children to learn instruments.

“Music in Wales comes at the earliest experience,” added Alex. “In this part of the world, we are the last county to still give free music lessons to primary schoolchildren.

“Around Carmarthen, there’s 4,500 kids a week taught music, so I know there’s a lot of talent out there, and maybe they’ll be joining Rusty Players in the future.”

Children under 16 can also join Rusty Players Orchestra if accompanied by an adult and there is already a mother and daughter who go along. Mum plays the recorder while her child is on the violin.

“It doesn’t have to be standard orchestra instruments either as we welcome people who want to enjoy playing music,” explained Alex.

Anyone interested in joining Rusty Player’s Orchestra Carmarthen group can turn up to a weekly session or sign up via our website for free trials.