All groups work with experienced staff to develop their instrumental skills through listening and playing as part of an ensemble. They rehearse a wide variety of music, and give regular concerts.
Recorder
Beginner and intermediate (Saturdays, 8.45-9.15am)
- Our beginner group is for children who have never played before.
- They are taught the basics of recorder playing and they begin to read music.
- The preliminary group has the opportunity to take music medal exams and the intermediate group introduces children to playing the treble and tenor recorders.
Advanced recorders (Saturdays, 8.45-9.15am)
- For players at grade 3 or above.
- The group uses the full range of recorders from sopranino to bass.
- They explore a wide repertoire from early music to arrangements of popular songs from films and musicals.
- This group develops skills in ensemble playing.
Theory
- Saturdays, 9.15-9.45am
- For players or singers who need help and practice at the various tests set in theory exams.
- All levels are taught from grades 1-5.
- A pass at grade 5 is required for entry to practical exams at grade 6 and above.
Junior music group
- Saturdays, 9.15-9.45am
- For children aged 5-11.
- A foundation for musical progression through work with percussion instruments, songs and recorders.
-
Each term has a set theme and the children explore music through playing recorders, pitched and un-pitched percussion instruments and song.
-
Theory is included at appropriate levels.
Choirs
Junior choir (Saturdays, 10.00-10.30am)
- For younger singers to develop their voices and to learn to read music.
- The children sing a wide variety of music and action songs.
Senior choir (Saturdays, 10.00-10.30am)
- For intermediate singers to explore their voices through pop songs and songs from films and shows.
- Students will explore singing in parts.
Ensembles
Wind ensemble (Saturdays, 10.30-11.00am)
- For wind players at grade 2 or above.
- The group explores a wide range of repertoire from film music to well-known classics.
- It provides excellent ensemble training as well as the experience required for players to progress on to Concert Band or Youth Orchestra.
String Ensemble (Saturdays, 10.30-11.00am)
- For children from beginner level to grade 3
- To explore playing within an ensemble.
- Violin, viola, cello and double bass are welcome.
- Students develop skills in sight-reading which also helps them achieve better results in graded music examinations.
Friday night ensembles
East Herts Youth Orchestra (Fridays, 6.00-7.30pm)
- For all instrumental players at grade 5 and above.
- The group plays a range of repertoire from classical to pop medleys.
- The group is also a platform from which to join wider county activities including Hertfordshire Schools Symphony Orchestra and County Youth Orchestra.
String Ensemble with Sam Slade
For string players Grade 1 to Grade 4 standard.
Wind Band with Matt Smith
For woodwind, brass, guitar, keyboard and percussion players at grade 1 to grade 5.
For more information on any of these groups, email easthertsmusic@hertfordshire.gov.uk