William Appleby Music Centre

This page contains information on Doncaster Music Service ensembles/groups.

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 who live in the Doncaster area.  (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

Please Note:

On Saturday 21st June 2025, the following band rehearsals will STILL be running as normal, ahead of the performance on Sunday.

Three carefully graded wind bands.

JUNIOR BAND
Conductor: C Latimer and K Latimer
Day: Saturday 09:15-10:15 
Where: Bentley My Place, Askern Road, Bentley, DN5 0HU
Entry Level: Grade 1-2

INTERMEDIATE BAND
Conductor: C Latimer and K Latimer
Day: Saturday 10:30-11:45
Where: Bentley My Place, Askern Road, Bentley, DN5 0HU
Entry Level: Grade 3-4

DONCASTER SCHOOLS VERMUYDEN CONCERT BAND
Conductor: C Latimer and K Latimer
Day: Saturday 12:00-13:30
Where: Bentley My Place, Askern Road, Bentley, DN5 0HU
Entry Level: Grade 5+

DMS Wind bands short introduction video

DMS Wind Bands feature video

String Ensembles

Five carefully graded string groups

BEGINNER STRINGS
Conductor: O Dixon
Day: Thursday 17:00-17:45
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Beginner

JUNIOR STRINGS
Conductor: Y Barron
Day: Monday 17:30-18:15 
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Pre Grade 1

INTERMEDIATE STRINGS
Conductor: Y Barron
Day: Monday 16:30-17:15 
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Grade 1

ADVANCED STRINGS
Conductor: H-R Bennett
Day: Friday 16:30-17:15
Where: Bentley My Place, Askern Road, Bentley, DN5 0HU
Entry Level: Grade 2

DMS Strings short video

DMS Strings feature video

Orchestras

BEECHFIELD YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Conductor: H-R Bennett & M Smith
Day: Friday 17:30-19:00 
Where: Bentley My Place, Askern Road, Bentley, DN5 0HU
Entry Level: By invitation and enquiry

DMS Orchestral short video

DMS Orchestral feature video

Guitar Ensembles

UKULELE GROUP
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: J Hume
Day: Wednesday 16:15-17:00
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: First 5 notes+, G A B C & E

GUITAR GROUP A
Conductor: S Merrett
Day: Tuesday 17:15-18:00 
Where: The Point, South Parade

GUITAR GROUP B
Conductor: S Merrett
Day: Tuesday 18:15 -19:00 
Where: The Point, South Parade

DMS guitar short video

DMS Guitar Feature video

Brass Groups

BEGINNER BRASS GROUP
Conductor: TBC
Day: TBC
Where: Town Field Primary School
Entry level: First 5 notes+

DONCASTER SCHOOLS' BRASS GROUP
Conductor: C Latimer
Day: Saturday 11:30-12:15
Where: Bentley My Place, Askern Road, Bentley, DN5 0HU
Entry Level: Grade 5+

DMS Brass feature video

Recorder Ensembles

BEGINNER & JUNIOR GROUP
Conductor: M Smith
Day: Thursday 16:00-16:45
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: By invitation or enquiry

INTERMEDIATE GROUP
Conductor: M Smith
Day: Thursday 16:45-17:30
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: By invitation or enquiry

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

ABRSM
A series of 30 minutes classes are held on various days. These classes cost £20 per term per student.
Delivered by: A Belbin-Wood
Day: Various
Where: Virtually online
Entry level: Please complete the Theory Class Application eForm to register your interest

How do I apply for a place in an ensemble?

Your child's Doncaster Music Service Tutor may nominate your child to attend an ensemble, however should your child be interested in attending an ensemble please get in touch with the Doncaster Music Service office via email at doncastermusicservice@doncaster.gov.uk and we can advise you the most suitable group for your child to join.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a number of frequently asked questions on the About Doncaster Music Service page that may help answer some of your questions. If you need more help, please contact the Music Service by filling in the eForm or using the contact details at the top of the page.

Apply for a place in our music theory classes:

Further information:

There are a number of Frequently Asked Questions on our About Doncaster Music Service page that may help you, should you need more information please complete the Music Service enquiry eForm below.

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.

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Last updated: 16 June 2025 15:24:35

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