Saturday Music Centre
Based at Havering Sixth Form College, Hornchurch, Saturday morning music school (8.25am-12.35pm) caters for infants to sixth formers.
A varied range of lessons and ensembles are available and students work to a timetable tailored to their individual needs, helping them reach the highest possible standard but with an emphasis on learning to play with other musicians.
Students must be available to attend all morning, as timetables can change from term to term.
If you wish to apply for membership, our “Get into music” brochure contains the application form for you to complete and return. Your application will be assessed and we will contact you as soon as an vacancy becomes available.
Infant Membership
Music Kindergarten (Reception year children only) – 30 minutes basic music skills group lesson. If you wish to apply for this, please complete our application form and write KINDERGARTEN next to 1st instrument. (Please do not tick any package boxes). The monthly cost for this class is £17.10.
Ensembles and performing groups
Choral
Infant Choir (years 1 & 2)
Junior Choir (years 3-5)
Senior Choir (years 6-8)
Chamber Choir (years 9-13)
Wind bands
Junior (Grade 1-3), Training (Grade 3-5) and Senior (Grade 5) Wind Bands
Stage Band (by invitation)
String Ensembles
Da Capo Strings (Years 2 & 3), Sabato Strings (Grade 1-3) and Senior Strings (Grade 3+)
Concert Orchestra (Grade 5+)
Junior Guitar Ensemble (Grade 1-4) Senior Guitar Ensemble (Grade 4-8)
Wind and Brass Ensembles
Junior Recorder Ensemble (Grade 1-4) and Recorder Consort (Grade 5+)
Clarinet Choir (Grade 3+)
Philomela Flute Choir (Grade 4+)
Brass Ensemble (Grade 4-8)
Mixed Ensembles
Creative World Music (Years 3-7)
Percussion
Junior, Intermediate and Senior Percussion Ensembles (by recommendation).
Percussionists also have numerous opportunities to perform as part of our orchestras, wind and brass bands.
Composition and theory
Theory is taught in small groups to develop musical knowledge and the ability to read music. Class tuition is also available in aural perception for those preparing to take graded examinations
Weekday Music Centre
Weekday Music Centre is open at Havering Sixth Form College on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in term-time. A limited number of instrumental lessons are available, but the main focus is on ensemble playing under the guidance of specialist tutors.
Membership is open to children from Year 3 upwards.
We offer a tiered/progressive programme that takes students on a journey from the junior ensembles through to the senior bands and orchestras. Most groups take on new players at the start of each term.
Children will progress as soon as their tutor feels they are ready, although auditions may be necessary for the more senior groups. Students are welcome to attend a free taster session.
Elementary Wind Band
An enjoyable introduction to playing together for children in the early years of tuition. Pre-Grade 1 to Grade 3.
Wednesdays 4.00-5.00pm.
Training Brass Band
An introduction to brass band playing that prepares younger members for progression into the Havering Youth Brass Band. Grades 1-4. Tuesday 4.15-5.15pm.
Concordia String Players
An opportunity for young string players (of junior school age) to discover the pleasures of playing together. Initial to Grade 3. Wednesday 4.30-5.30pm.
Sinfonia
A specialist training orchestra offering a broad repertoire of popular and classical styles to prepare students for entry into the Havering Youth Orchestra. Grades 3-5. Wednesday 5-6pm.
Creative World Ensemble
This ensemble offers beginning musicians the opportunity to create music together without the need to read notation, focussing on developing aural and musicianship skills. Wednesday – Primary students 6-6.30pm, Secondary students 6.30-7.30pm.
Youth Brass Band
Open to brass players and percussionists, the Youth Brass Band performs a wide range of music and often represents Havering in events outside the borough. Grades 4-8. Wednesday 6-7.30pm.
Havering Youth Orchestra
The main orchestra for the borough’s finest young musicians, Havering Youth Orchestra performs a wide range of music and members are expected to have good sight reading skills.
The entry standard is approximately Grade 5 for string players and Grade 6 for wind, brass and percussion.
Entrance is by invitation only. Wednesday 6.30-7.30 pm.
