Information for beginners

Can you give me information about East Riding beginner ensembles including rehearsal dates?

East Riding Junior String Orchestra (ERJSO)

The aims of the Junior String Orchestra are to lay the foundations for good ensemble playing, with an emphasis on developing good intonation and rhythmic awareness in an enjoyable environment. There are a number of performance opportunities throughout the year.

The minimum requirement for entry is grade one.

Contact:
Mr Peter Walker
Schools' Music Service
Tel: (01482) 392685
 
Rehearsal Dates for the Junior String Orchestra (pdf 83kb)

Application Form for the Junior String Orchestra (pdf 75kb)

East Riding Junior Wind Band (ERJWB)

Launched in September 2013, the East Riding Junior Wind Band provides beginner woodwind, brass and percussion players residing in the East Riding of Yorkshire with the opportunity to play in a wind band with players of similar abilities. There are a number of performance opportunities throughout the year.

Membership of the band is open to players of up to grade 2.

Contact:
Mr Peter Walker
Schools' Music Service
Tel: (01482) 392685
  Rehearsal Dates for the Junior Wind Band (pdf 122kb)

Application Form for the Junior Wind Band (pdf 103kb)

East Riding Intermediate Percussion Ensemble (ERIPE)

The Intermediate Percussion Ensemble was launched in September 2013 to provide percussion players residing in the East Riding of Yorkshire with the opportunity to play in an ensemble with players of similar abilities. The group has access to the wide range of tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments that are housed in the percussion studio at the Hexagon Music Centre.

Contact:
Mr Peter Walker
Schools' Music Service
Tel: (01482) 392685

Rehearsal Dates for the Intermediate Percussion Ensemble (pdf 122kb)

Application Form for the Intermediate Percussion Ensemble (pdf 104kb)

What opportunities are there for pupils to play in a band or orchestra or sing in a choir?

The Schools' Music Service provides a number of opportunities for young musicians under the age of 19 residing in the East Riding of Yorkshire to play in a variety of ensembles with players of similar abilities.

What are the requirements for membership?

Members should be in full-time education and be recommended by their teacher as being of a suitable standard. An exam need not necessarily have been taken. Places in some ensembles may be limited, especially for more popular instruments.

When can my son/daughter apply to join an ensemble?

New members are welcomed throughout the year for our Junior Wind Band and Junior Percussion Ensemble and twice a year for the Junior String Orchestra (September and January).

It is advisable that applications are in before these dates. Where specified entry grades are for The Associated Board or its equivalent.

How does my son/daughter apply to join an ensemble?

You can download the application forms below, complete, and then send back to the Schools' Music Service:

Mr P Walker
Schools' Music Service
The Hexagon Music Centre
Coltman Avenue
Beverley
East Riding of Yorkshire
HU17 9LP.

Beginners

Application Form East Riding Junior String Orchestra (pdf 110kb)

Application Form for the Junior Wind Band (pdf 103kb)

Application Form for the Junior Percussion Ensemble (pdf 104kb)

Application Form Project Percussion Lessons (pdf 106kb)

When do the ensembles perform?

All our junior ensembles perform at least twice a year at various venues across the East Riding, including Beverley Minster (Junior String Orchestra), Wassand Hall (Junior Wind Band), Bridlington Spa and the Hexagon Music Centre.

My son/daughter has not been playing for very long and has not taken a grade exam. Are there any groups for beginners?

The Schools' Music Service is also developing a series of ensemble-based satellite music centres ('Music's Cool') for players who have been playing for two years or less.

At present, the centres run in Bridlington, Pocklington, South Hunsley, South Holderness, Withernsea and Goole.

The aim of these ensembles is to provide elementary ensemble training in a relaxed enjoyable atmosphere.

Where can I find details of forthcoming beginner concerts or events which are being put on by the Schools' Music Service?

Click on the link below to see the current events diary where you will find details of forthcoming concerts and events for beginners.

East Riding Ensembles Concert List (pdf 74kb)