Graeme Hollingdale

Full time Music Service Teacher for 36 years until early retirement in August 2014 PGCE, FLCM, LGSM, LTCL, AmusTCL diplomas held Annually updated Enhanced DBS Freelance performer on 5 string Double Bass (multiple diploma holder) Bass Guitars (fretted 5 string Fenders & fretless 5 string) Tenor Trombone (diploma holder) Bass Trombone. Experienced Orchestral & Musical Theatre musician (also with touring Tribute act, a PMJ inspired jazz/function band and a show/function band) with multiple repeat bookings but as a lover of all musical genres including rock, pop, swing if you have the music I will play with care, accuracy and appropriately for the context. Please look at my repertoire list for the Musicals that I have performed over recent years. 2016 appointed Principle Double Bassist (bought-in) with Bridgewater Sinfonia (semi-professional Symphony Orchestra) and 'Solo' Bassist for its chamber ensemble the Bridgewater Sinfonietta, Berkhamsted Herts, Musical Director Adrian Davies and associate conductor Steven Joyce. 2017 appointed as the Bass player (Double & Electric) for the HDO (Henry Desmond Orchestra) based in Kent. Performances vary between Musical Theatre showcases (with West End leads) one-off events and themed concerts. The line-up varies between standard orchestral, film, and theatre depending on requirements. A Showband formed of the rhythm section, 1 or 2 vocalists and invited others, has now been formed and working in the function sector - obviously the 1st choice bassist for this! 2018 appointed as the Bass player for the Total Productions Tribute act, Barbra Streisand, A Woman In Love (a Celebration) Touring Theatre show. Since 2018 Graeme has been the permanent Bassist for the Henry Desmond Orchestra and ShowBands. This growing brand (based in Kent) has at its core a flexible function line-up, from a trio to 8 piece, plus 1, 2 or 3 vocalists, to which a string section can also be added. There is a full Musical Theatre Orchestra, and flexible pit band line-ups available as part of this brand. 2019 appointed as bought-in alternating section leader with two North London semi-pro orchestras; Elstree Mozart Players and Ensemble Luce, both conducted by Derek Holland. 2019 appointed the first choice bought-in section leader with the Royal Orchestral Society, London. 2021 appointed as the bass player for the NJA, a PMJ inspired jazz combo behind a female vocalist; we are working in the function sector, specialising in classic jazz & swing covers alongside PMJ style arrangements of modern repertoire. 2023 appointed principle Bassist with the Fulltone Orchestra (FTO) an upcoming Wiltshire based brand. Although based astound a large symphony orchestra, the repertoires is varied included cross-over, Theatre, orchestral Rock. Cathedral & theatre tours backing top names from the West End and beyond. Experienced in working with young people so regularly perform with school/youth/college/university groups/productions, both supporting Orchestral/Choral performances and Musical Theatre runs. Experienced and very comfortable playing with click tracks, personal mixers, in/over-ears etc. No ties or day job means that I am free to and do travel anywhere in the UK (including overnight stays) sometimes at very short notice if the terms are agreeable. Any number of MD's, Fixers, Conductors and Colleagues details are available on request for references. *MP4 high quality video/audio recording of a chamber group performing The Magic Flute in Trinity College Chapel available, please ask for the link which cannot be displayed on these pages. *MP3 professional quality audio recorded live during a run of an original score to Alice in Wonderland, as part of a pro band accompanying a Youth MT production in 2018 is now available on Soundcloud; the 'Finale mix' is embedded in the 'Media' section of these pages. *A Showreel is now included on my Media page here; this was recorded with Winter Singer & Simon Campbell as Promo for the "Woman In Love" Tour, a celebration of the life and music of Barbara Streisand. ***As Encore have (due to client feedback) recently hidden from public viewing the performing diary (past & forthcoming) and repertoire lists (where I include all the Musical Theatre shows performed over the last 5 years or so) please as ask for me to forward as a separate file (or become an Encore member yourself, because members can still view all the pages) Ex General Secretary of National Charity 'The National Sweet Pea Society' (NSPS) I am now Deputy Chairman and Editor of several publications every year. Secretary of 'The Chiltern Sweet Pea Society' (CSPS) Editor of Newsletters; all are voluntary positions. Very competitive/experienced national exhibitor of Sweet Peas Judge of flower and vegetable classes at horticultural shows up to national competition level; also gardens & allotments etc. I also give lectures on Sweet Peas.