How do I join? 

Click on the link below and complete the form for the ensemble you would like to join. Your details will be passed to the leader of that ensemble and you should hear from them within a week (during term time). 

BMS Ensemble APPLICATION FORM

What happens in the audition? 

For the audition we ask you to play us a piece that you have been working on with your teacher and then you'll be given a short piece of sight reading.  This is a great opportunity for us to see how you play and respond to being given a new piece of music as this is an important skill for the sessions.

How many concerts do you do? 

We perform at least once a term, often alongside other BMS ensembles.  The concerts are a great opportunity to demonstrate the progress we have made during the term. 

What does a rehearsal look like? 

Rehearsals last for 2 hours with a short break halfway through . We expect everyone to help set up and pack away music stands and chairs.  Rehearsal time is spent working through the pieces we are learning. Sometimes that might be breaking the piece down into small sections and rehearsing difficult sections as individual parts or sometimes playing through whole pieces and working on things like dynamics and playing together as a whole ensemble. To make progress in rehearsals it's important to spend time during the week practising your part. If there are sections that you are finding tricky then we will do our best to help you in the sessions.

What music do you play? 

We have played all sorts of music in our ensembles. From the jazz and swing of Glen Miller and Miles Davis, the film music of John Williams and Hans Zimmer to modern day pop songs and some older songs your parents might know.

We try to cover a broad range of styles to cater for everyone's tastes and try to learn at least 3 arrangements per term. 

What should I bring to rehearsals? 

1. Your instrument! 

2. Your music 

3. A folder for your music - with your name on

4. A pencil

5. A water bottle

6. A snack for the break

Do you have any rules? 

Our rules are simple:

• When others are talking make sure you listen.

• When others are playing their guitars be patient and listen.

• Have fun!

What do you have to wear for concerts? 

For our concerts we wear our BMS T-shirts and maybe some extra sparkles for our autumn term Christmas concert!