On the 1^st March we will be launching the new MAS website. This long awaited overhaul of our original site, built by John Georgiadis in 1998, has been designed in-house, and has numerous new features which we hope will benefit all our clients and the fixers who book them. SEARCH FEATURE - This looks at CV content in a similar way to Google. Searches can be made for anything: who has worked for a specific orchestra, who has performed certain pieces, who plays principal etc. COMPLETE INSTRUMENT LISTINGS - Now even obscure instruments can be found, as well as electric and baroque instruments, violin doubling viola and much more. These can all be found in the Search CV’s section. So when fixers need someone who can play these instruments, it will be easier to draw up a list of possible players. ENSEMBLE DIRECTORY – developed to support the increasing number of clients who are members of ensembles providing background music for functions, corporate entertainment and weddings. The entries are listed alphabetically, with the name of the client who has registered the ensemble with us. Should anyone looking to book an ensemble surf onto our site, they will have a list of possible choices. They can then call us to pass on a message to the appropriate group.

OTHER NEW FEATURES ● NEW CLIENTS - All clients that have joined in the last 6 months are listed alphabetically by instrument, with links to their CV’s ● PICTURES PAGE - So, if a fixer wonders if a name belongs to the right face, it will be easier than ever to find out. ● NEWSLETTERS ARCHIVE – Have you missed an issue or remember an old article that would be good to read again? All our newsletters are accessible via the News Section. For your security, all personal information has been removed. And if you have ever wondered how MAS came into being, click on the About option in the menu at the top of the screen, and read on… To benefit from these new features, it is important that you keep us up to date with your CV details, the instruments you play etc. Remember that we will only make alterations to your details if instructed by you. So, next time you call in, take a minute to check the information we hold is accurate and up to date. We are interested in hearing your opinions on the new site, or if you have any further suggestions for improvements. Please feel free to call the office and let us know what you think.

Current Staffing

Abbie

Amy

Angela

Catherine

Jo

Lucy

Matt

Oliver

Simon

Tania

CV’s on the Web Should you wish you can now send your CV's in HTML format, this will give you more control over the format and the general look of your CV on the web. However when sending them in HTML format it is best to put it in a zip folder, as outlook sometimes adds its own code. The next update for the MAS CV Brochure is soon to be sent out to fixers. If you are not already included in the publication and would like to be, please post, fax or e-mail us a copy of your CV by 1st March 2006.

Please note that all telephone calls are recorded for quality and training purposes.

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If there is anything that you would like to see included in the next edition of the newsletter please let us know, either by phone, e-mail or fax.
The MAS clients listed below have recently changed address and/or telephone numbers; please check with MAS for details. Caroline O’Connell (Horn) Rachel van der Tang (Cello) Ian McLeod (Violin) Katie D Pryce (Horn) Bill Boddington (Bassoon) Verity Harding (Cello) & Robert Simmons (Violin) David Kadumukasa (Cello) Roger Argente (Bass Trombone) and Ruth McDowall (Clarinet)	Holiday Cottage to Rent Holiday cottage available to rent in Carne, near Veryan, Cornwall. (Truro approx 10 miles) Sleeps 4/5. Rural location with fantastic views over Gerrans Bay and Carne Beach. For further details and bookings visit website or contact my sister Jane Nye. W: www.tredeanne.co.uk E : jayney.nye@btinternet.com (Advert submitted by Erica Cottrell)
It is with great sorrow that we have to announce the tragic death of Martin Hooley (Viola) who was a very longstanding client of MAS before he left to join the ROH. Martin was a popular, sociable and much loved member of the profession and will be sorely missed by all. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family at this sad time. Funeral arrangements are as follows : 2:30 pm Thursday 16th February, Holy Trinity Church, Sunningdale, Ascot, Berks. No flowers Donations to : 1) The Royal Society of Musician’s 2) The Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund	Ensembles Directory We would like to remind everyone about our Ensembles Directory. If you would like us to take messages for your ensemble, please make sure you have given us all the relevant information. For example : 1) The name of your ensemble 2) The instruments it consists of 3) A short biography or website address 4) Any photos you may want included 5) Any other information you may think necessary The new website will include a specific section for ensembles where we can include all the above information. Please either email or call the office to let us know about your ensemble.