Superstrings

8:55am to 9:40am.
The children’s ages range from about 6 to 12 years old. We emphasise training the players to follow/understand a conductor, basic orchestral bowing techniques, read music fluently and work as a section. We are lucky to have volunteers from some of our wonderful older players who come in to help them settle in.

Phoenix Strings

10:05am to 10:45am. Children up to 18yrs are welcome but a minimum age of 10yrs and previous orchestral experience is advised. Expected standard is approximately grade 5 to 8+. Good sight reading skills are essential.

Junior Wind Band

This is a new group staring Septrmber 2023. We take any children from those who have been learning a few terms up to about grade 3. We meet at 10:05 to 10:40

Senior Wind Band

10:45am to 11:15am. The Senior wind group is run by Benjamin Adams and Andrew Martin. Typically players range from grades 4-8. Occasionally, we join forces with Phoenix Strings to form a full orchestra.

Amber Strings

8:55am to 9:40am.
An intermediate group for approximately grades 3 to 5+. We emphasise training the players to follow/understand a conductor, basic orchestral bowing techniques, read music fluently and work as a section.

PBCMS Choir

New, complementary choir starting September 2023 at 9:40 till 10:05. This choir is for all ages and anyone can join in.

Chamber Music

Any time from 9:00 to 11:15 Chamber groups are by invitation. The size of groups vary term to term in order to broaden our repertoire. Players are usually experienced orchestral players looking for a further challenge and will play one person to a part.

Adult Orchestra

Called “Da Capo”, we rehearse from 10:05am to 10:45am. This ensemble is for people who have started learning as an adult, or who used to play when they were children and are rather rusty and anyone else who wants to join in! Please do find that instrument you have in the attic and join in!

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Ensembles T&Cs

The price per head is:

One established ensemble: ₤7/week, two or more established groups ₤13/week,

New Junior Wind Band:£3 due to shorter sessions.

Choir: free for existing pupils, £3 for visitors who only attend choir.

Parents will be invoiced termly, at the beginning of each term, and payment should be made within the first half term.

Possible discounts for children and young people attending may be available at the discretion of the PBCMS committee. Any children in receipt of free school meals or are in receipt of the pupil premium are eligible for free or discounted sessions.

Typically, there are 30 sessions (Saturdays) each academic year – 10 per term.

Sessions missed are still charged at the normal rate.

A respectful notice period is requested for stopping any group, preferably half a term. If you can’t make the concert let us know in good time so that we can find someone to replace your child on the night.

Gallery (not stock photos!)