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.

Starter & Intemediate Wind Bands

We have a groups for children who can play and few notes and another for intemediate players.

Advanced Wind Band

10:45am to 11:30am. The Senior wind group is run by Benjamin Adams. Typically players range from grades 5-8. Occasionally, we join forces with Phoenix Strings to form a full orchestra.

Amber Strings

9 am to 9:40am.
An intermediate group for post grade 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

Our incusive, free choir runs from 9:40 till 10:00. This choir is for all ages and anyone can join in, even grandparents and sibings.

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 on Saturday Mornings

New Beginner/Starter Wind ensemble starting after Easter 2026. 9-9:30!

The price per head is:

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

New “Starter” and Intermediate Wind Band: £5 after Easter 2026.

Choir: free for all ages.

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!)