Music Centres

Introduction

Bristol Arts and Music Service run five out-of-school Music Centres in Bristol. These provide an excellent opportunity for young musicians to improve and develop their skills. Being part of a Music Centre gives you the chance to play as part of a large group, and rehearse and perform concerts in a variety of settings. It is also the perfect way to meet new friends. The West and the South Bristol Music Centres also offer groups for Adults.

Details of each of the Centres can be found below. 

If you want any more information please contact Vivienne Sansum on 0117 377 1035 or via musicservice@bristol.gov.uk. 

Bristol Schools Junior Music Centre

Bristol Centre for Music and the Arts - Saturday mornings
Please note that this is a change of venue from September 2011. The Bristol Centre for Music and the Arts is located in Stanton Road, Southmead, BS10 5SJ.  Directions to the Centre (pdf, 250 KB)

Term dates 2011/12 (pdf, 10 KB)

The Bristol Schools Junior Music Centre provides an unique opportunity for young string players, violin, viola, cello and double bass, years 1 - 6, to develop ensemble skills in a friendly and encouraging environment. The emphasis is on the enjoyment of playing together to the highest possible standard. Our staff are always enthusiastic and supportive.

Starter String Group
9:30am - 10:15am
Primary school children who have been learning a stringed instrument for as little as one term can join the Starter String Group, where specifically composed and arranged ensemble music is provided. This music is designed to consolidate and extend the beginner string player. 

String Group
10:30am - 11:30am
When children are working towards Grade 1 standard they will move into the String Group, where music of many styles appropriate to this level will be provided, to greater aid musical understanding. 

The Starter String Group and String Group require no audition for membership. Recommendation to these groups is usually made through the string teacher. 

Bristol Junior String Orchestra (BJSO)
9:30am - 11:30am
Having reached Grade 1 standard children will now audition for the BJSO. Members of this orchestra have an ability range of Grade 1 - 6 standard. Differentiation of the music provision in the BJSO allows each section music appropriate to their ability. As well as giving three concerts during the academic year the BJSO members are given the opportunity of a weekend residential course at Kilve Court in Somerset. 

Once pupils start Secondary school they will have the opportunity to audition for the Bristol Schools Senior Music Centre. 

The Starter Strings, String Group and BJSO welcome present and new members to the Bristol Schools Junior Music Centre, a must for all young string players.

Bristol Schools Senior Music Centre

Term dates 2011/12 (pdf, 5 KB)

Henbury Secondary school - Saturday mornings
The Senior Music Centre is the largest operated by BAMS, and has an excellent reputation in Bristol. Application is usually by audition. There are 7 different groups running within the Centre, for pupils of varying ability. These are: 

Philharmonia
9:30am - 12:30pm
The Bristol Schools’ Philharmonia is Bristol’s senior youth orchestra with a membership of more than 70 members students drawn from almost every secondary in Bristol. The orchestra comprises triple woodwind, full brass, timps & percussion and a full string section. The group rehearse and perform some of the great works in the orchestral repertoire in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, under the professional guidance of conductor Mark Finch and an expert team of section tutors. 

Symphony Orchestra
9:30am - 12:30pm
The Symphony Orchestra is aimed at pupils at Grade 5 and above.

Concert Band
9:30am - 12:30pm
The Concert band is aimed at pupils at Grade 4 level and above.

Concert Orchestra
9:30am - 12:30pm
The Concert Orchestra offers many young musicians their first experience of being part of a symphony orchestra. Repertoire ranges from music for ballet and opera to arrangements of popular classical works. As well as rehearsal with the full orchestra, the Saturday morning schedule includes time with experienced sectional tutors plus work on separate string ensemble and wind band repertoire.

To apply for the Concert Orchestra, string players should be Grade 3+, woodwind and brass players Grade 4+.

Wind band
9:30am - 12:00pm
The Wind band is aimed at pupils at Grade 2 level and above.

Junior Wind Band
9:30am - 10:45am
The Junior Wind Band is open to pupils from beginnner level.

Percussion Centre
9:30am - 12:30pm
Specialist Orchestral Percussion tuition for beginners onwards.

West Bristol Music Centre

Bristol Centre for Music and the Arts, Southmead - Monday evenings
The West Bristol Music Centre runs five groups with something for everyone from aged 5 - 70. The groups include:

Key Stage 1 Choir
4:30pm - 5:15pm
A free Choir for pupils aged 5 - 7 years which offers a fun introduction to singing in a group

Junior Big Band
6:00pm - 7:15pm
Aimed at pupils aged 9 and over who are at Grade 2 standard and above.

Big Band
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Aimed at adults and pupils of any aged who are Grade 5 standard and above.

Concert Band
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Aimed at adults and pupils of any aged who are Grade 5 standard and above.

Saxophone ensemble
7:00pm - 8:30pm
A rare opportunity for saxophonists to play and perform together, this group to open to players of any age of Grade 5 standard and above.

South Bristol Music Centre

Term dates, Terms 5 & 6, 2012 (pdf, 2 KB)

Ashton Park Secondary school - Saturday mornings
Do you play a musical instrument? The best way to keep musically motivated is to join a 'group' and play along with others. The South Bristol Music Centre offers two friendly and supportive groups:

Community Orchestra
9:30am - 12:30pm
Whether you are an adult or a student the SBMC could be just what you need - its members consist of both school pupils and adult learners. Maybe you used to play an instrument in the past and would like to take it up again? Your playing and self-confidence would improve and you will meet others.  There are opportunities for all players: woodwind, brass, strings, guitar and percussion.

Rock Group
9:30am - 12:30pm
Maybe you play electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums, or sing? If you are interested in getting together with others to rehearse and perform then this group is for you.

For more information on either of these groups please contact SBMC Director, Jonathon Palmer, on 01275 855 213 or via newland.music@virgin.net

Bristol Schools Chamber Choir

Term dates 2011/12 (pdf, 3 KB)

Cotham School - Friday evenings
Bristol School Chamber Choir has gained a National reputation for the quality of its performances.  The Centre consists of three groups:

Junior Choir
4:45pm - 6:00pm
Aimed at pupils aged between 7 and 11 years, this Choir aims to foster a love of singing in its members by helping them to read music and sing parts in a fun and relaxed way, whilst always aiming for the highest standards.

Girls Senior Choir
6:15pm - 8:15pm
The Senior Choir gives singers from 12 - 18 years the opportunity to sing a wide range of choral music. Repertoire ranges from classical works to spirituals and folk songs, and more lighthearted arrangements of popular songs. All members are given vocal coaching to develop their confidence and singing technique.

Senior Boys Ensemble
5:00pm - 6:00pm
The Boys Choir is for singers aged 12 - 18 years and provides opportunities for members to explore close harmony, barbershop, and other male voice musical styles. The Boys Ensemble regularly join up with the Senior Girls to perform mixed vocal repertoire.