Absolute beginners, all the way up to senior players
We are so proud of our (almost) brand new wind programme. We take players from absolute beginner to senior level with ensemble skills built into instrumental learning. There are lots of opportunities to perform in public too if you wish - both as part of a group and individually.
Click on the buttons below to find out about all our amazing instrumental groups.
Individual, shared and small group instrumental lessons are also available at various times -see here for more information.
Brass Cubs & Wind Stars
With all instruments provided, you'll learn the basics for playing a musical instrument - how to hold it, make a sound, change notes and read from notation. You'll also be playing as part of a group, developing your ensemble/orchestral skills from day one!
Brass Cubs includes a range of brass instruments from cornet and trumpet to trombone. At Wind Stars, beginner clarinets and saxophones (doods and J-saxes) are used.
Takes Place: Fridays 4.30 / 5.30pm
Suitable For: Pupils in Years 3-6
Cost: £43 per term
Instrument: Can be provided on loan by us
Recorder-Tastic
Your starting point for wind playing! For complete beginners, learn how to hold and blow the instrument, how to read music and how to start your musical journey!
Takes Place: Fridays 5.25-6.05pm
Suitable For: Pupils in Years 2-5
Cost: £26 per term
Instrument: Please bring your own (they are very reasonably priced!)
Junior Wind Band
A fabulous beginner group for pupils who can play 5 notes on any woodwind or brass instrument, up to Grade 1-2 standard.
Are you learning your instrument as part of a whole-class programme, or are you in the early beginner stages of instrumental lessons?
Experience the joy of playing together with others, developing ensemble/orchestral skills and meeting like-minded people - from the earliest stages of playing!
Takes Place: Fridays 4.30-5.15pm
Suitable For: Pupils learning as part of a whole-class programme; those who can play anywhere from 5 notes up to Grade 2 standard. Parts will be differentiated according to ability.
Cost: £43 per term
Instrument: Please bring your own if you have it. Get in touch with us for further info if you don't.
Flutarama
Flutes only! All standards. We play music in a variety of styles, from contempory to pop to classical... we aim to build members confidence, improve sightreading and develop ensemble skills.
Takes Place: Wednesdays 4.30-5.30pm
Suitable For: Flute players at Grades 1 to 8 (yes really!)
Cost: £52 per term
Instrument: Please bring your own
Wind Warriors
Grades 2 to Grade 5 pupils on all woodwind and brass instruments are welcome! We play all sorts of music, develop our ensemble skills and generally have great fun!
Takes Place: Wednesdays 6.00-7.00pm
Suitable For: Pupils playing at around Grades 2 to 5 standard. Parts will be differentiated according to ability
Cost: £52 per term
Instrument: Please bring your own
Birdland Band
Part of the St Albans Jazz Collective, this group focusses on jazz/improvisation. Something different to try, especially if you like playing by ear!
Takes Place: Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm
Suitable For: Pupils who can play an instrument and would like to try their hand at jazz! Grades 1-5, but this is differentiated by learning simple melodies and playing around with them using different techniques
Cost: £52 per term
Instrument: Please bring your own
Senior Wind Players
Follow the links for attending Philomusica (our area orchestra) or Vanguard (our senior jazz group).