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 Dowd
Day: Saturday
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: Grade 1-2

INTERMEDIATE BAND
Conductor: F Simpson
Day: Saturday
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: Grade 3-4

DONCASTER SCHOOLS VERMUYDEN CONCERT BAND
Conductor: M Dowd
Day: Saturday
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: Grade 5+

Woodwind Groups

BEGINNER WOODWIND GROUP
Conductor: M Smith
Day: Tuesday
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: First 5 notes+

String Ensembles

Five carefully graded string groups

BEGINNER STRINGS
Conductor: O Dixon
Day: Saturday
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Beginner

JUNIOR STRINGS
Conductor: O Dixon
Day: Saturday
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Pre Grade 1

INTERMEDIATE STRINGS
Conductor: O Dixon
Day: Saturday
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Grade 1

ADVANCED STRINGS
Conductor: H Bennett
Day: Thursday
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Grade 2

PEDWAR STRING QUARTET
Led by: C Pinder
Day: Friday
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: By invitation only - please contact us using this eForm

Orchestras

DONCASTER SCHOOLS SENIOR ORCHESTRA
Conductor: C Latimer
Day: Wednesday
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Strings Grade 3, Woodwind & Brass Grade 4

BEECHFIELD YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Conductor: D Tonkin & C Pinder
Day: Friday
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: By audition

Guitar Ensembles

UKULELE GROUP
Conductor: B Smith
Day: Wednesday
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Beginner (by invitation)

BEGINNER GUITAR GROUP
Conductor: Z Hill
Day: Wednesday
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: First 5 notes+

INTERMEDIATE GUITAR GROUP
Conductor: S Merrett
Day: Tuesday
Where: The Point, South Parade

ADVANCED GUITAR GROUP
Conductor: S Merrett
Day: Tuesday
Where: The Point, South Parade

Brass Groups

BEGINNER BRASS GROUP
Conductor: F Simpson
Day: Thursday
Where: TBC
Entry level: First 5 notes+

SENIOR BRASS GROUP
Conductor: C Latimer
Day: Friday
Where: Jazz Centre, Beckett Road
Entry Level: Grade 5+

Recorder Ensembles

BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE GROUP
Conductor: M Smith
Day: Thursday
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
Where: The Point, South Parade
Entry Level: Grade 6 and above

Theory Classes

ABRSM
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?

If your child has lessons with a Music Service tutor, they will advise you when your child is ready to join and let you know which ensemble would suit your child best. If your child does not have lessons with a Music Service tutor, 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:

Contact:

For more information about the activities listed below, contact the Music Service via:

Keep up to date with the latest information!

Below is a video from our Ensemble Easter Project 2021 showing the talent of our ensemble members and music service staff.

Last updated: 14 April 2021 13:37:48