Core Ensembles
All our indivual students (other than piano) are expected to join an ensmble once they are ready.
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. Listen to us here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6FkcV2dJj0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJz2tgsHlqw&list=PLetXXEy1jwuA&index=9
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. Listen to us here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnyPKfh0Id0
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. Listen to us here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enK3_VeTUt4&feature=youtu.be
Starter & Intermediate Wind Bands
We have a group for children who can play a few notes up to grade 2+ and another for players grade 3 to 5. Listen to us here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Toi18vToV30&feature=youtu.be
Advanced Wind Band
10:45am to 11:30am. The Advanced Wind group is run by Benjamin Adams. Typically players range from grades 5-8. After half term we join forces with Phoenix Strings to form a full orchestra. Listen to us here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxW09fvF-cs
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. Listen to us here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re6sNEAlsRs
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! Listen to use here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cy4ekunrnA
Chamber Music
Any time from 9:00 to 11:30, Chamber groups are by invitation only. 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. Listen to us here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoO5-_4NYKc&list=PLetXXEy1jwuA
Ensembles – General Terms
Typically, there are 33 sessions (Saturdays) each academic year – 11 per term.
The price per head, paid half termly is:
- One core ensemble: ₤7/week
- Two or more core ensembles: ₤13/week
- Starter and Intermediate Wind Bands: £5/week due to shorter length.
- 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.
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 a deputy.
