William Appleby Music Centre
This page contains information on Doncaster Music Service ensembles/groups, now being held face to face again from April 2021 subject to social distancing rules. Except for ABRSM and Hey Presto Theory which will continue to be held virtually until further notice.
Ensembles and Groups
The young people play music together, make new friends and, perhaps above all, have fun. There is a place for everyone.
The work at the centre forms an essential part of the instrumental training given to pupils, complementing the musical opportunities found in schools. Over the years, the work of the Doncaster Music Service has become renowned for its excellence and staff are committed to maintain and improve on the high standards they have set.
The William Appleby Music Centre is currently centrally funded and attendance is free of charge to pupils of Doncaster local authority schools. (Students from outside the area may join the ensembles subject to a small termly fee). A wide variety of musical activities are offered at the Music Centre and young pupils progress systematically through these bands, orchestras and ensembles.
Bands
Three carefully graded wind bands.
JUNIOR BAND
Conductor: M Brown
Day: Saturday 9.30-10.15
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: Grade 1-2
INTERMEDIATE BAND
Conductor: F Simpson
Day: Saturday 10.30-11.30
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: Grade 3-4
DONCASTER SCHOOLS VERMUYDEN CONCERT BAND
Conductor: M Brown
Day: Saturday 11.45-1.15pm
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: Grade 5+
DMS Wind Bands feature video
Woodwind Groups
Conductor: M Smith
Day: Tuesday 16:30 – 17:15
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: First 5 notes+
String Ensembles
BEGINNER STRINGS
Conductor: O Dixon
Day: Saturday 11.45 - 12:30
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Beginner
JUNIOR STRINGS
Conductor: O Dixon
Day: Saturday 9.30-10.15
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Pre Grade 1
INTERMEDIATE STRINGS
Conductor: O Dixon
Day: Saturday 10.45-11.30
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Grade 1
ADVANCED STRINGS
Conductor: H Bennett
Day: Thursday 16:15-17:00
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Grade 2
PEDWAR STRING QUARTET
Led by: C Pinder
Day: Friday TBC
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: By invitation only - please contact us using this eForm
DMS Strings short video
DMS Strings feature video
Orchestras
Conductor: C Latimer
Day: Wednesday 17.00-17.45
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Strings Grade 3, Woodwind & Brass Grade 4
BEECHFIELD YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Conductor: D Tonkin & C Pinder
Day: Friday 5:45-6:45pm
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: By audition
DMS Orchestral short video
DMS Orchestral feature video
Guitar Ensembles
Conductor: B Smith
Day: Wednesday 18.30-19.15
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Beginner (by invitation)
DMS Ukulele short video
DMS Ukulele feature video
BEGINNER GUITAR GROUP
Conductor: Z Hill
Day: Wednesday 16.45-17.30
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: First 5 notes+, G A B C & E plus ability to read music notation (please note TAB sessions are not available at present, check back soon)
INTERMEDIATE GUITAR GROUP
Conductor: S Merrett
Day: Tuesday 17.00-17.45
Where: The Point, South Parade
ADVANCED GUITAR GROUP
Conductor: S Merrett
Day: Tuesday 18.30 -19.15
Where: The Point, South Parade
DMS guitar short video
DMS Guitar Feature video
Brass Groups
Conductor: F Simpson
Day: Thursday 16.20 to 17.05
Where: Town Field Primary School
Entry level: First 5 notes+
SENIOR BRASS GROUP
Conductor: C Latimer
Day: Friday 4.30-5.15pm
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: Grade 5+
DMS Brass feature video
Recorder Ensembles
Conductor: M Smith
Day: Thursday 16.15-17.00
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Grade 2 (for Beginner Group), Grade 3-5 (Intermediate Group)
ADVANCED RECORDER GROUP
Conductor: M Smith
Day: Thursday 17.30-18.15
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Grade 6 and above
DMS recorder group short video
DMS recorder group feature video
Theory Classes
A series of 30 minutes classes are held on Saturday mornings. These classes cost £20 per term per student.
Delivered by: A Belbin-Wood
Day: Saturday
Where: Virtually online
Entry level: Please complete the Theory Class Application eForm to register your interest
HEY PRESTO! THEORY CLASSES
Delivered by: J Belbin-Wood
Day: Saturday
Where: Virtually online
Entry Level: Basic Music Theory aimed at beginner students. Please complete the Theory Class Application eForm to register your interest.
How do I apply for a place in an ensemble?
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply for a place in our music theory classes:
Contact:
For more information about the activities listed below, contact the Music Service via:
- email: doncastermusicservice@doncaster.gov.uk
- address: Doncaster Music Service, Bentley My Place Youth Hub, Askern Road, Bentley, Doncaster, DN5 0EW.
- telephone: 01302 737256
Keep up to date with the latest information!
Below is a video about our Ensembles showing the talent of our ensemble members and music service staff. For more videos about specific ensembles, please see the individual links in the drop down lists above.