Orchestral Ensembles
There are many opportunities for your child or young person to learn an instrument or get involved in an orchestral ensemble outside of school, within the BCP Music Hub. If you cannot find what you are looking for, there is a link to an enquiry form below. We are currently developing our new Local Plan as part of the new National Plan for Music Education so if what you are looking for isn’t here, there may be plans in the making, and your opinion could help us shape it. Scroll down to find the form and have your say.
Orchestral Instrumental Lessons: Mini Maestros & Musical Fun Time
Together with our partners at Poole Society of Young Musicians, learning an orchestral instrument has never been more fun! Enthusiastic, friendly teachers, in a community Music Academy environment where young people will be surrounded by like minded peers. In addition to instrumental lessons, the innovative Musical Fun Time sessions are geared towards developing rhythm and aural skills through all sorts of fun group activities which speeds up instrumental learning.
Financial support available subject to application via our Access Fund. Please refer to PSYM’s website for up to date term times.
Run by : Poole Society of Young Musicians’ Music Academy
Ages: 6+
Pre-requisite: None!
When: Mondays after school
Where: Parkstone Grammar School
Mezzo Maestros Junior Orchestra
Open to children who are at about Grade 2 to Grade 5 standard, even those who have no experience of playing in an ensemble! We are still a small ensemble at the moment with friendly mentors in each section, so no need to feel overwhelmed with too many people, having no experience or there being too much noise! Playing, making music, with other young people is one of the most joyful things to do, so don’t hesitate to get involved!
Please refer to PSYM’s website for up to date term times.
Run by : Poole Society of Young Musicians’ Music Academy
Ages: Up to 14yrs
Prerequisite: Playing at Grades 2 – 5 standard
When: Mondays 5.30 – 6.30pm
Where: Parkstone Grammar School
Junior Jurassic Brass!
Following the success of Jurassic Brass and Just A Band at SoundStorm’s Showcase on 4th July 2024, last year saw the launch of Junior Jurassic Brass with Kev Penfold! Kev teaches junior brass students widely across the area and has really enjoyed building a fun ensemble, welcoming all young players after their initial terms of brass lessons in school, up to approximately Grade 3 standard.
Please refer to PSYM’s website for full term details.
Run by : Poole Society of Young Musicians’ Music Academy
Ages: Up to 18yrs
Prerequisite: Playing at up to Grade 3 standard
When: Mondays 4.30 – 5.30pm
Where: Parkstone Grammar School
(Senior) Jurassic Brass
For the more advanced brass player, this is no ordinary Brass Band! Come and be coached by inspirational BSO Brass musicians Robb Tooley and Kev Morgan. Covering everything from Baroque to Jazz, this band will stretch your skills and challenge you in the best way!
Please refer to PSYM’s website for full term details.
Run by : Poole Society of Young Musicians’ Music Academy
Ages: Up to 18yrs
Prerequisite: Playing at Grade 5+ standard
When: Mondays 5.30 – 6.30pm
Where: Parkstone Grammar School
Boscombe Youth Fiddle Orchestra (previously the CODA Fiddle Orchestra)
Based in Boscombe, this enterprise, directed by Fiona McKinley provides free violin tuition for local students aged 5 – 19, made possible by grants from SoundStorm, Bournemouth Rotary and Thornton Trust. Please visit their Facebook page to find out more and get in touch: https://www.facebook.com/boscombeyouthfiddleorchestra/
Junior Wind Band
A community based area beginners wind band! A fun and friendly group of musicians, who play a wide range of music and styles in a supportive environment. Always looking for new young musicians looking for their first experience in a band – come and give it a try!
Run by: Christchurch Music Centre
Ages: Any
Prerequisites: First 5 notes!
When: Saturdays 9.10am
Where: GodFirst Church, BH23 3TG
Senior Wind Band
For the intermediate players and above in the wider Christchurch region, this wind band is for you! Making friends and making (fun) music – its what we do best! Click on the link to find out more and get involved.
Run by: Christchurch Music Centre
Ages: Any
Prerequisites: Grade 4+
When: Saturdays 10.15am – 12.15pm
Where: GodFirst Church BH23 3TG
In addition to the regularly meeting ensembles above, our partners at Poole Society for Young Musicians also runs short burst ensembles aimed at higher ability players, including the SoundStorm Camerata, the NEW Symphonic Winds, brass or symphony in a day specials and other opportunities. Please check their website for details here – we will update with dates and details through the year.
Each year, during the school summer holiday, Poole Society for Young Musicians organises a summer course at Lytchett Minster School, in partnership with SoundStorm and Dorset Music Hub. This is usually the first week of the summer holidays and has a wide range of opportunities for ensemble learning for all orchestral instruments and singers, grades 1-8. Watch this space for dates and details for 2026.
OTHER ORCHESTRAL OPPORTUNITIESAs well as the SoundStorm supported orchestral ensemble activities, Wessex Youth Music also offers a wide range of learning opportunities and groups, plus the chance to join the Wessex Youth Orchestra. They meet at Lytchett Minster School. All the details, plus joining conditions and fees, can be seen on their website: https://www.youthmusicwessex.org/
HAVE YOUR SAY
Can’t see something suitable for your young instrumental learner? Click here to tell us what you would like to see!
