Gillian Roxburgh, Violin 

I have been playing the violin since the age of 7 and began orchestral playing a couple of years later. Orchestral playing has always been the leisure activity I enjoyed the most, but unfortunately I lost all my musical contacts when my family relocated to Muthill in 1993. I first became aware of PSO some years later, but childcare and transport problems, and later work commitments, meant I was unable to join until recently.

I finally took the plunge in September 2013, joining the 1st violin section as rehearsals were beginning for what I was assured was the most difficult programme so far! Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, which gave me the confidence to just join in and enjoy it. The atmosphere at rehearsals is always very relaxed- you get the sense that everyone is there because they enjoy playing – even if Allan does have to bully us into smiling!

The high point of my time with PSO so far would have to be the end of the first rehearsal – I really could still play well enough to keep up! Having practised hard to make up lost ground, I now feel as if I have reached a slightly higher standard than before I stopped playing, and am looking forward to playing with the orchestra for many years to come.