How old were you when you first picked up a violin? 
8

If you weren’t a violinist what instrument would you most like to be able to play? 
French horn - I think they're great instruments, and technically difficult to play well so it would be a challenge.

What’s the best concert venue you have played in?
Bishop Cotton school in Bangalore because the gig was great. 

If you were a curry, what would you be and why? 
I'd be a lamb dhansak...slightly sweet and a bit sour and a bit prickly hot.

What’s your favourite place to visit? 
The pub or Paul's house because he feeds me

Brass or wind? 
Neither

[ed: Alex has moved away from the area and will be standing down from his role as the orchestra’s leader] What made you decide to move?
It is where my car ran out of petrol after the last Dorking Phil concert

Is your new home (Shrewsbury) shroos-berry or shrose-berry? 
Shroo

What are your top tips for our new leader Sarah? And are there any warnings you would like to give her?
She's doing a great job so she doesn’t really need any tips...but she could shout more and stamp a lot

What will you miss most about the orchestra? 
The questioning of speeds every five minutes

Which of your top tips from over the years do you really really REALLY hope the strings will never forget? 
Stop only using the top inch of your bow or I'll come back and snap it!!!

Which has been your favourite solo performance with Dorking Phil?
I don't know - I'll have to see how this one goes...but the Szymanowsky was a fantastic piece and the orchestra sounded amazing

What concerto would entice you back?
I’d love to play the Beethoven Violin Concerto

And finally, which is the best section in the orchestra? 
The second violins of course.