Saturday Music Centre –SMCThe aim of the Centre is to complement and en-

hance the teaching of music, dance and drama, in Solihull by creating op-

portunities for instrumentalists and singers to take part in a variety of en-

sembles, according to their ability.

The opportunity to study the theory of music in a structured class

environment is also offered, and a flexible timetable allows each

individual student to make best use of his / her time.

The Centre operates on each Saturday during term time from 8.50am until

12.15pm and is run and administered Solihull Music Service.

Soul Bands– Any brass players/ guitarists/ vocalists/bass players/ sax players/ keys/

drummers can join the successful gigging bands (10.45—12.15pm)

SMC Orchestra—for all acoustic instruments (10.45 –12.15pm)

Ukulele Group— a group for all ages and all abilities

Beginners electric guitar group—for anyone who has just started play a guitar (9.00 –

9.45am)

Steel pans - every steel pan class is carnival time. Join this group and play great tunes.

(10.45-11.30am)

Samba/Stomp - learn about rhythms in this exciting group. (10.45 –11.30am)

Drama - develop your acting skills through role play, improvisation and script reading.

(9.45 –11.30am)

Dance - to compliment the musical and drama groups. For beginners

(9.00-9.45am)

SMC Jazz Band - is an exciting swing band playing the latest Big

Band Charts. (9.00 –10.30am)

Theory - theory classes cater for all levels of ability form grade 1 to 8.

Helps with A level and GCSE music (11.30—12.15pm)

SMC voices - explore your voice in this cool choir. (9.45 –10.30am)

Rock & Pop - S.M.C.'s rock & pop department offers the opportunity

for guitarists to learn to play chord patterns and develop these skills

in the context of a group playing their favourite songs. Rock & Pop groups are encouraged

to develop their own material with guidance from experienced musicians. There are regular

opportunities to perform the repertoire they have rehearsed to a receptive audience. (9.00 –

12.15pm)

No audition is required players, with advice from the teacher, decide which group or groups

they wish to join.

Note: These may change in response to demand from pupils. The Centre is open to all who

are to benefit from the activities available and no audition is normally necessary. Students are

encouraged to attend for the full morning (4 sessions).

Solihull Music Service currently offers many exciting, varied and wide-ranging ensembles for pupils to join.

For many pupils this is the highlight of their music making and offers:

An opportunity to make music with others to the highest standards, from beginner to advanced level.

High-class direction and coaching from specialist instrumental and vocal staff.

A range of concerts, events and courses, both within the Borough and beyond.

Great music, great people, great fun!

If you would like to join one of the groups please talk to your music teacher,

have a look at our website or contact the Music Service.

Ensembles - Monday

Wind Starters

Wind Starters is open to all players who have had just one term of tuition and have a range of five notes. Rehearsals focus on enjoying making music, learning to play together, and developing skills, such as watching the conductor and playing with dynamic contrast. Conductor: Mr A Jones Rehearsal time: Mondays from 4:30pm to 5:40pm Location: Lower School Hall Junior Winds Junior Winds is open to all players who have had at least a year's worth of tuition and some ensemble experience. Usually players move up to Junior Winds after one year in Wind Starters. The repertoire using more challenging rhythms and accidentals, but still the emphasis is on enjoying the experience of playing together! Conductor: Mr M Sharpe/Mr R Salt Rehearsal time: Mondays from 4:30pm to 5:40pm Location: Dining Area Solihull Concert Winds This is the intermediate wind band. It is expected that the members of SCW will have the skills in place to be able to tackle more advanced repertoire. They should be prepared to play music with 3 or 4 flats or sharps, and be comfortable with pieces of grade 3 standard. Players should play with expression, a wide range of dynamics and awareness of articulation. Players are accepted by audition. Conductor: Mr M Sharpe Rehearsal time: Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Location: Dining Area Solihull Youth Wind Orchestra (SYWO) SYWO is the top wind orchestra of Solihull Music Service. The standard of the orchestra requires the members to be dedicated and play to an advanced level. It is expected that the members will have the skills in place to be able to tackle advanced repertoire. They should be prepared to play music with 5 or 6 flats or sharps, and be comfortable with pieces of grade 5-6 standard. Players should play with expression, with a wide range of dynamics and awareness of articulation. The orchestra performs in prestigious venues such as Symphony Hall. Players are accepted by audition. Conductor: Mr K Allen Rehearsal time: Mondays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Location: Lower School Hall

Ensembles - Thursday

Soul Matters

This is one of Solihull's most successful gigging groups. The band regularly performs around the West Midlands, playing music from the 60's to the present day. Players are accepted by audition. Conductor: Mr R Jones Rehearsal time: Thursdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Location: Rehearsal Room

Chamber Music Programme

Chamber music coaching for invited members of Vivace Stings and Con Brio Strings. Participation is by audition in the summer term. Conductor: Miss E Gosling Rehearsal time: Thursday from 5:45pm – 7:15pm. Location: M102 If you would like any information our exciting chamber music programme, please contact the conductor

Solihull Music Service is committed to working in partnership with schools and pupils to assist them in all

forms of music making. It also enriches the lives of pupils and the community through the provision of a

wide range of music making opportunities.

All borough ensembles take place at

Solihull Music Service

Daylesford Road, B92 8EJ

Ensembles - Thursday Entry requirements: (for all Thursday groups) via application to the conductor

Junior Brass Band

Junior Brass Band is open to all players who have had just one term of tuition and have a range of five notes. Rehearsals focus on enjoying making music, learning to play together, and developing skills, such as watching the conductor and playing with dynamic contrast.

Conductor: Mr R Bull Rehearsal time: Thursdays from 4.15pm - 5.40pm Location: Dining Area

Junior Jazz Matters

Junior Jazz Matters is our fabulous feeder to the wonderful senior group Jazz Matters. Players have the opportunity to move into this group after 2 years of playing. Conductor: Mr A Jones Rehearsal time: Thursdays from 4.15pm - 5.40pm Location: Lower school Hall

Solihull Youth Brass Band (SYBB)

SYBB is made up of pupils from across the borough who are at Grade 2 standard and above. They perform regularly in Solihull and Birmingham, using repertoire that ranges from traditional brass band music to arrangements of film and popular music. Conductor: Mr R Bull Rehearsal time: Thursdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Location: Lower School Hall

Jazz Matters

This Solihull's premier jazz ensemble. Players are expected to be of a high standard, as they will be playing challenging music and be learning to improvise. Conductor: Mr A Jones Rehearsal time: Thursdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Location: Lower School Hall

Ensembles - Tuesday

1st Frets This is an entry level guitar ensemble, with the emphasis on every player having music to suit their own ability. Conductors: Mrs A Bennett and Mr M Webb Rehearsal time: Tuesdays from 4:30pm to 5:40pm Location: Dining Area Required level of playing: at least a year’s worth of lessons and a note vocabulary of G - A'. The ability and the will to try to read and play from musical stave notation is encouraged. Solihull Guitarristas For guitarists of around Grade 2 ability. Conductor: Mr M Webb and Mr S Edwards Rehearsal time: Tuesdays from 6:00pm to 7:30pm Location: Dining Area Required level of playing: The ability to read and play from stave notation in basic first position. A working knowledge of bass notes and notes found above fret 5 on string 1 on the higher leger lines. Knowledge of simple guitar chords will be beneficial.

Strumtastic

This is the upper intermediate group of Solihull's four guitar groups. Members are aged between 11 and 15, and play at around grade 3 level. Conductor: Mr R Thomas Rehearsal time: Tuesdays from 6:00pm to 7:45pm Location: M101 Required level of playing: All notes in first position – including bass notes - ability to read and play confidently there. Ability to play up the fingerboard up to the 12th fret. Playing in 5th, 7th and 9th position. The enthusiasm, applica-tion and will to improve your playing and the whole group’s sound. Playing out and ‘projecting’ sound is critical. (Players are accepted by audition)

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Website: www.solihullmusicservice.wordpress.com

Ensembles - Tuesday—Cont

B92's Steel Band This is the borough's senior steel band, playing traditional and contemporary pan music. Conductor: Mr P Collier Rehearsal time: Tuesdays from 6:00pm to 8.00pm Location: Lower School Hall Entry Requirements: Application to the conductor Senior Brass Ensemble (SBE) This group is made up of the most talented brass students in the borough, giving them the opportunity to perform chamber music at the highest level. Conductor: Mr R Bull Rehearsal time: Tuesdays from 6:00pm to 8.00pm Location: L106 Entry Requirements: Application to the conductor iSax An enthusiastic group of advanced saxophonists, playing a diverse repertoire. Conductor: Mrs S Simpson Rehearsal time: Tuesdays from 6:00pm to 7.30pm Location: M102 Entry Requirements: Application to the conductor Second Winds Second Winds is an intermediate chamber ensemble for woodwind players of grade 3-4 standard. Members are accepted by audition. The players get the opportunity to play individual parts in an ensemble and get to develop intonation, dynamics and ensemble skills in an enjoyable atmosphere. The ensemble performs as part of SMS concerts several times a year. Conductor: Miss J Ebbon Rehearsal time: Tuesdays from 6:00pm to 7.30pm Location: The Learning Centre

Solihull Training Chorus / Children's Chorus

The Solihull Training Chorus/Children's Chorus are Solihull's very successful choirs. Auditions for these choirs take place in the summer term. The choirs have sung at many prestigious venues such as the Symphony hall and the 02 Academy. Conductor: Mr J Fyfier Rehearsal time: Tuesday from 5.00pm to 6.45 (depending on which choir) Location: Rehearsal Room and L101

Ensembles - Wednesday

Superstrings

Especially for young players in their first few years of learning a string instrument. The focus is on enjoying playing music together and children will be able to reinforce basic string techniques in a positive and supportive atmosphere. Conductor Miss E Gosling Rehearsal time: Wednesdays from 4:30pm to 5.40pm Location: Lower School Hall

Entry Requirements: Application to conductor

Allegro Strings

Caters for young string players who are working at a level between Grades 1-3. Pupils develop their ensemble skills, learning to listen to each other and watch the conductor whilst playing an appealing choice of repertoire. (Players are accepted by audition) Conductor Mrs A Hawthorne Rehearsal time: Wednesdays from 4:30pm to 5.40pm Location: Dining Area / The Hub

Entry Requirements: Application to conductor

Con Brio Strings

Con Brio Strings is aimed at intermediate to advanced level players (approximately Grade 3-7). Players further develop their ensemble skills and build on string techniques appropriate to their level (position changing, vibrato, bow strokes and articulation), preparing them for tackling more advanced repertoire. (Players are accepted by audition) Conductor Mrs L Marks Rehearsal time: Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8.00pm Location: Lower School Hall Entry Requirements: Application to conductor

Vivace Strings

Vivace Strings was formed in September 2008 to provide the opportunity for the most advanced string players to tackle challenging works from the standard repertory. Entry is by audition and players are expected to be of a good grade 7 standard with experience of ensemble playing and awareness of different styles. Conductor Mrs A Hawthorne Rehearsal time: Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Location: The Hub