Orchestras, bands and ensembles

There is a rich musical life in the School with a wide range of organised musical groups on offer, many of them taken by the specialist visiting music staff. These groups are open to all players whether they learn in school or elsewhere. The after school rehearsals are also available to members from Years 5 and 6.

Orchestras

These groups perform each year in the Autumn and Summer Orchestral Concerts and many of them have the opportunity to play in prestigious venues both locally and nationally. The rehearsals take place after school during the week.

Chamber Orchestra	Minimum standard Grade 7. This flagship instrumental group has been runner up three times in the Music for Youth Finals and has performed in the Birmingham Symphony Hall, Smith Squares and at the Barbican. The Orchestra plays an adventurous programme featuring members of the School as soloists.
Senior Orchestra	Minimum standard Grade 5 (strings) and Grade 6 (woodwind). The largest orchestra with over 50 players, it plays standard symphonic repertoire.
Intermediate Orchestra	Minimum standard Grade 3 (strings) and Grade 4 (wind). A training orchestra for the Senior Orchestra.

Wind Bands

These groups perform each year in the Wind Band Extravaganza and in either the Christmas Concert or the January Concert.

Concert Band	Minimum standard Grade 6. For woodwind and brass players who have passed Grade 6 and percussionists (kit and tuned). A popular and large band that plays music of lighter character.
Ringwood Band	Minimum standard Grade 4. For woodwind and brass players who have passed Grade 4 and percussionists (kit and tuned).
Townsend Band	Up to Grade 3. For woodwind and brass players up to Grade 3 standard and percussionists (kit and tuned).

Other regular instrumental ensembles

These groups perform each year in Wind Band Extravaganza and in either the Christmas or the January Concerts. The rehearsals take place either before school or at lunchtimes.

Lower Strings Ensemble and Cello	For cellos and basses - open to all. A popular group consisting of up to 14 or so players which plays ensemble music for cellos and double bass.
Brass Ensemble	Open to all.
Saxophone Ensembles	Open to all. The School's own soprano, tenor and baritone saxophones are available to players in these groups. The senior group has made its own CD and was a winner at the finals of the 2009 National Pro Corda Chamber Music Competition.
Intermediate and Senior Flute Choirs	Intermediate Grade 4+, Senior Choir Grade 6+ The most senior and able players also run separate flute quintets using the School's own alto and bass flutes.
Jazz Ensembles	Open to all players/instruments.
Guitar Ensemble	Open to all guitar players.
Chamber Music Ensembles	String Quartets, Trios, Cello Quartets and Wind Ensembles etc are organised around available players. A Cello Quartet was a finalist in the 2010 National Pro Corda Chamber Music Competition.