If you're interested in joining a group, just turn up for a trial session.
All groups work with experienced and specialist staff to develop their instrumental and vocal skills through listening and playing / singing as part of an ensemble. They rehearse a wide variety of music and give regular concerts in the locality and further afield.
Choirs
At Dacorum Music School, singing is very important and instrumentalists are encouraged to take part in these activities as part of their musical development. Singing tuition is available on an individual basis but it isn't normally recommended until the age of eleven.
There is no audition for the choir and you don't need to be able to read music. Pupils will develop their singing skills through rounds, unison songs and simple part singing. They cover a wide repertoire, including traditional, popular and fun songs. Membership of the Dacorum Junior Singers prepares young singers for the prestigious senior choir, Ace of Herts.
Wind bands and ensembles
The wind and brass groups at Dacorum Music School cater for all levels.
We try to encourage children having individual lessons on wind, brass or percussion instruments to join one of these groups to enhance their skills and experience the joy that playing in a large ensemble can provide.
All the groups give regular concerts throughout the year.
Flute group
- Mondays, 4.30-5.00pm
- For school flute players grade 2 and above
- The group plays various styles of music from classical to jazz. There is also an opportunity to try music in 2 or more parts.
- Directed by Ruth Larbey
- £43 per term
Recorder Recruits
- Thursdays, 4.00-4.30pm
- Our beginner recorder group
- Directed by Ruth Larbey
- £43 per term
Recorderlicious
- Thursdays, 5.20-5.50pm
- If you love recorders this group is for you! Come along and learn some great tunes with your friends
- The group enjoy perfoming duets and trios together.
- Directed by Ruth Larbey
- £52 per term
Recorder consort
- Thursdays, 6.10-7pm
- For advanced recorder players
- This group is a lot of fun and works on music from hundreds of years ago, as well as contemporary pop and jazz tunes. Descant, treble, tenor and bass recorders are all in use in this group
- Directed by Ruth Larbey
- Cost is £52 per term.
Showstoppers
- Saturday's, 12:30-2.30pm
- Our brand-new musical theatre group (Key Stage 2)
- £69 per term
Rock Up
- Saturday's, 12.30-2.30pm
- For budding rock musicians (Key Stage 3)
- £69 per term
Wind Band
- Thursdays, 6-7pm
- For any wind and brass players who can play an octave or more, aged 8-18
- The group perform in our ensembles concert twice a year and explore a wide range of different styles
- £52 per term.
Digitar
- Friday 4.30-5.00pm
- This group is for budding Guitar players, who have just started out.
- We encourage them to bring their phone/tablet with them, and with the support of the teacher, work through the guitar apps, so the pupils can get the best of both styles of learning.
- £43 per term.
Orchestras
Dacorum Youth Orchestra
- Tuesday's, 5.30-7pm
- For all string, woodwind, brass and percussion players of grade 4 and above
- The group practises and regularly performs popular orchestral music from around the world
- Conductor: Ryan Bunce
- £52 per term
- If you would like to play in Dacorum Youth Orchestra, email nyree.obrien@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Chamber ensemble
- Tuesday 7.00-8.00pm
- This group is for players, Grade 5 and above who can work together in a small ensemble and develop their skills further.
- The group perform in public concerts and are always looking for new and exciting opportunities to perform.
Opportunities for younger musicians
Saturday morning music school (nursery to Year 6)
A wide variety of music experiences in groups, including choir, String Orchestra, and Woodwind ensemble.
- 9.15am-12.15pm - Years 3 to 6 (Key Stage 2). Our varied musical programme of activities include recorders, strings, and choir. £69 per term.
- 9.15-9.45am - foundation music for nursery (age 3) to reception. £43 per term.
- 10.00-10.45am - Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1). £52 per term.
Call 01442 453400 or email dacorummusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk for more information.
Opportunities for string players
- All string playing activities are designed to provide a clear and strong sense of progression for your child
- All groups give regular concerts throughout the year
- Players who have lessons outside the Music School can join our String group.
Stringfonia
- Wednesdays, 6-7pm
- For string players, grades 1-5 or equivalent
- The group work on a wide range of repertoire and good skills are consolidated and developed by concentrated rehearsal and performance
- Conductor: Helen Fairmaner
- Cost £52 per term.