THE RUSTY PLAYER’S ORCHESTRA IN BARRY ISLAND
THE RUSTY PLAYER’S ORCHESTRA IN BARRY ISLAND
FIND YOUR NEW FRIENDSHIP THROUGH FILM MUSIC WITH RUSTYS.
The Rusty Player’s Orchestra in Barry Island is a welcoming local instrumental group for adults who’d like to return to music making again within a supportive community space.
Rustys fosters genuine friendships through a variety of music, offering film, tv, show, classical and games music for returning or budding musicians in Barry Island and surrounding areas.
Friday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Barry Island Community Centre, Friars Road, Barry Island, Barry, CF62 5TR
The perfect way to start the weekend after a long week.
Simple to reach from Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major, Rhoose, Cardiff and across the Vale of Glamorgan.
Start with 2 free sessions: Give us a go with your first 2 rehearsals being free, with no pressure and no obligation. No auditions, no minimum grade standard. Understanding of music reading encouraged. All instruments welcome.

Find your new friendship through film music with Rustys.
The Rusty Player’s Orchestra in Barry Island is a welcoming local instrumental group for adults who’d like to get back into music making again within a supportive community space.
Rustys fosters genuine friendships through a variety of music, offering film, tv, show, classical and games music for returning or budding musicians in Barry Island and surrounding areas.
Friday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Barry Island Community Centre, Friars Road, Barry Island, Barry,
CF62 5TR
The perfect way to start the weekend after a long week.
Simple to reach from Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major, Rhoose, Cardiff and across the Vale of Glamorgan.
Start with 2 free sessions: Give us a go with your first 2 rehearsals being free, with no pressure and no obligation. No auditions, no minimum grade standard. Understanding of music reading encouraged. All instruments welcome.
TRY FOR FREE
Fill in the form below and we’ll send everything you need for your first free session. No payment needed.
ACCESSIBILITY & PARKING
Barry Island Community Centre is a wheelchair accessible venue, with step free access. Facilities offer an accessible toilet on the same level as our regular rehearsal space. The venue offers a limited space free onsite car park, with plenty of street parking available in the streets surrounding the venue. Barry Island Community Centre is an 8 minute walk from Barry Island train station, with direct links to Cardiff, Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach, Bargoed and Rhymney.
Slightly further at a 25 minute walk, there are bus links towards Barry Town Centre, with bus routes 96 and 304 running regularly. We aim for everyone joining in with Rustys rehearsals to feel comfortable and happy, and our fantastic conductor is inclusive and approachable for people with different access needs. If you would like to assess what your travel options are ahead of your first rehearsal, please get in touch.

The friendly orchestra for all instruments. Music that puts you at its heart.
ACCESSIBILITY & PARKING
Barry Island Community Centre is a wheelchair accessible venue, with step free access. Facilities offer an accessible toilet on the same level as our regular rehearsal space. The venue offers a limited space free onsite car park, with plenty of street parking available in the streets surrounding the venue. Barry Island Community Centre is an 8 minute walk from Barry Island train station, with direct links to Cardiff, Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach, Bargoed and Rhymney.
Slightly further at a 25 minute walk, there are bus links towards Barry Town Centre, with bus routes 96 and 304 running regularly. We aim for everyone joining in with Rustys rehearsals to feel comfortable and happy, and our fantastic conductor is inclusive and approachable for people with different access needs. If you would like to assess what your travel options are ahead of your first rehearsal, please get in touch.


The friendly orchestra for all instruments. Music that puts you at its heart.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Rusty Players Orchestra Barry Island welcome around 25 members from all walks of life. After a warm welcome and chance to speak with your new section mates, you will be guided through you first piece with our lovely conductor Alex, practicing passages and rehearsing fuller playthroughs with steady support to help bring out your best.
Sheet music will be provided for rehearsals when you arrive, and Alex will be on hand to welcome you to the ensemble. If possible, please bring a music stand, pencil and your instrument. For newcomers to Rustys, we encourage musicians to reach out to us to chat about your music needs ahead of your first rehearsal. Our rehearsals last for 2 hours on Friday evenings during term time, with a short break for catching up with your new musician friends in the middle.
LOOKING FOR MUSICAL COMMUNITY?
The Rusty Player’s Orchestra Barry Island is a flourishing, friendly community orchestra aimed at those returning to music after a break, as well as budding musicians wanting to find their feet in music. Whether your instrument’s been in the loft for years and you’re wanting to dust it off, or wanting a friendly space to meet new people, Rustys is here to support you in the next stage of your music journey. Run by the award‑winning charity The People’s Orchestra, we offer two free taster sessions so you can come along, join the community, and see how quickly it becomes your favourite time of the week.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Sheet music will be provided for rehearsals when you arrive, and Alex will be on hand to welcome you to the ensemble. If possible, please bring a music stand, pencil and your instrument. For newcomers to Rustys, we encourage musicians to reach out to us to chat about your music needs ahead of your first rehearsal. Our rehearsals last for 2 hours on Friday evenings during term time, with a short break for catching up with your new musician friends in the middle.
WHAT MAKES RUSTYS – THE ORCHESTRA WAY BACK IN TO MUSIC
Never too Rusty; adaptive sheet music to suit you: We make sure our arrangements are flexible throughout Rustys repertoire and instrumentations, our wonderful staff are on hand to support you in your finding your feet in orchestral music and making sure your experience is the best it can be. Rustys is about finding enjoyment through music, not perfect notes.
No auditions, just music at your pace: Whether you’re a returning player or starting from scratch, our conductors support you each week in growing your musicality and confidence at your pace. Your first two rehearsals are free, so you can find your groove and ensure that Rustys is a good fit for you.
Welcoming saxophones, drums and guitars – the sky is the limit: We welcome all orchestral standard and non-traditional instruments to our The Rusty Players Orchestras. Don’t be afraid to contact out instrumental staff to see how we can help with your experience and sheet music at Rustys rehearsals.
From stage and screen, music to get stuck in with: Rustys spans a vast wealth of repertoire, including film, tv, show games and popular music genres for musicians to get to know and love. With opportunities to experience stunning scores old and new at your own pace, Rustys members also get the chance to submit their requests on which pieces they would love to play.
More value, less barrier: Subscriptions come in from £18 a month, or supported subscriptions from £12, meaning The Rusty Player’s Orchestra is an affordable way to enjoy playing great orchestral music in a thriving community.
Community with impact: As part of The People’s Orchestra charity, every subscription helps support community music and families facing hardship. Joining The Rustys Player’s Orchestra community has an impact far beyond the rehearsal room.
Start Your Journey Today.
WHAT MAKES RUSTYS – THE ORCHESTRA WAY BACK IN TO MUSIC
Never too Rusty; adaptive sheet music to suit you: We make sure our arrangements are flexible throughout Rustys repertoire and instrumentations, our wonderful staff are on hand to support you in your finding your feet in orchestral music and making sure your experience is the best it can be. Rustys is about finding enjoyment through music, not perfect notes.
No auditions, just music at your pace: Whether you’re a returning player or starting from scratch, our conductors support you each week in growing your musicality and confidence at your pace. Your first two rehearsals are free, so you can find your groove and ensure that Rustys is a good fit for you.
Welcoming saxophones, drums and guitars – the sky is the limit: We welcome all orchestral standard and non-traditional instruments to our The Rusty Players Orchestras. Don’t be afraid to contact out instrumental staff to see how we can help with your experience and sheet music at Rustys rehearsals.
From stage and screen, music to get stuck in with: Rustys spans a vast wealth of repertoire, including film, tv, show games and popular music genres for musicians to get to know and love. With opportunities to experience stunning scores old and new at your own pace, Rustys members also get the chance to submit their requests on which pieces they would love to play.
More value, less barrier: Subscriptions come in from £18 a month, or supported subscriptions from £12, meaning The Rusty Player’s Orchestra is an affordable way to enjoy playing great orchestral music in a thriving community.
Community with impact: As part of The People’s Orchestra charity, every subscription helps support community music and families facing hardship. Joining The Rustys Player’s Orchestra community has an impact far beyond the rehearsal room.
Start Your Journey Today.
HEAR WHAT OUR CONDUCTOR ALEX HAS TO SAY
“The Rusty Player’s Orchestra is all about helping people rediscover their confidence, enjoy playing together, and feel part of a genuinely welcoming musical community.”
HEAR WHAT OUR CONDUCTOR ALEX HAS TO SAY
“The Rusty Player’s Orchestra is all about helping people rediscover their confidence, enjoy playing together, and feel part of a genuinely welcoming musical community.”

OUR GROWING ENSEMBLE – RUSTYS COMMUNITY IN ACTION
TESTIMONIALS
“I joined the Rusty Players Orchestra as I was new to the area and keen to meet people locally. I had not played my instrument in 40 years, but had the time in retirement to embrace music again. I have met some wonderful people through the orchestra – everyone is so friendly and enthusiastic. We all enjoy playing together in a safe space with no judgment, and rehearsals with our lovely conductor are always fun. We have players of all abilities in our group, and it is great to see our skills developing over time. Rustys is a great way to get back into music or to develop your skills if you are just starting out. I would advise anyone to give it a try – you won’t regret it!”
“l have always loved playing in an orchestra and joining Rustys has given me that chance to enjoy playing classical music on my saxes! The people and conductors from Barry have been so supportive and helpful. They’re all a lovely bunch of people have made me feel very welcome. Without Rustys, l would not get the chance to enjoy the lovely music we practice every week and get opportunities to improve and play with choirs and in concerts. Rustys has certainly opened my eyes and supported me. Diolch yn fawr iawn Rustys”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
Let us know! Please reach out to our instrumental staff for news on upcoming Rustys in you local community.
We are on hand to help! The Rusty Player’s Orchestra is made for people who are out of practice at any duration – be it a few months or 30 years, all are welcome. With Rustys, we look to provide a steady pace to find your musical feet again.
We encourage musicians to be able to understand simple music notation, though please do not worry – our lovely instrumental staff are on hand to answer any questions and support you in getting stuck in.
Not at all, many people come on their own for their first rehearsal. We work hard to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and new members are encouraged to settle in at their own pace.
Rustys is all about enjoying the music, rebuilding confidence step by step, in a brilliant community of like minded musicians. Mistakes do happen! It is completely fine to make mistakes and learn with support and practice at rehearsals. Our conductors will help guide you through rehearsals, and our administrative team are ready to help with adaptive music to fit your playing, to ensure you are getting the best experience from your rehearsals.
Members come with a range of experience and confidence levels to Rustys – some are returning after a long break, some are more confident, and others are rebuilding their skills. All are welcome to try out our ensembles with two free sessions, to see if Rustys is a good fit for them.
Rustys is all about enjoying the music, rebuilding confidence step by step, in a brilliant community of like minded musicians.
Yes — your first two sessions are free. That gives you the chance to come along, meet the group, and see how it feels before deciding whether it is right for you. There is no pressure to commit straight away, and our staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have throughout your time with us.
No — there are no auditions for The Rusty Player’s Orchestra. If you have played an instrument before and would like to start again, or are starting out and looking to play music with a group, you are most welcome to come along for two free rehearsals, and see if the group is a good fit for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
Subscriptions are £22 per month, or £14 for students, people who are unemployed, or anyone receiving benefits.
That’s totally normal. Many of our members came along solo – and left with a whole new group of friends
3 steps + No solos, no auditions, lyrics provided, come as you are.
A mix of feel-good, uplifting tunes from films, TV, musicals, and more.
Yes — your first two sessions are free. That gives you the chance to come along, meet the group, and see how it feels before deciding whether it is right for you. There is no pressure to commit straight away, and our staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have throughout your time with us.
No. You do not need to read music to take part. Songs are taught in a supportive and manageable way, so beginners and returning singers can feel comfortable joining in.
Nope! We believe everyone can sing – and our rehearsals are all about building confidence and enjoying the music.
MUSIC CHANGING LIVES
As part of The People’s Orchestra charity, your membership supports our Community Grants Scheme, funding crisis support and opportunities for families and local groups in need. Every note you sing helps change lives across the UK.
MUSIC CHANGING LIVES
As part of The People’s Orchestra charity, your membership supports our Community Grants Scheme, funding crisis support and opportunities for families and local groups in need. Every note you sing helps change lives across the UK.







