We have four weekend music courses each year, where pupils 6–18 can make music with their friends.
Go to Autumn 2020 Rehearsal Dates
Apply online to join Camden Music Service ensembles
Our weekend music courses are:
- SuperGroups
- Camden Guitars
- Camden Philharmonia and Camden Concertante
- Camden Philharmonic Band
- Camden Percussion Ensemble
- Camden Youth Orchestra
The SuperGroups are: SuperStrings, SuperBlast!, SuperToot, SuperStrike and SuperStrum. These are ensembles for players of violin, viola, cello, bass, brass, woodwind, percussion, piano and guitar. Members have been learning for more than a term and can read some music (or tab/chord symbols for guitarists).
There are no auditions for the SuperGroups – everyone who plays an instrument is welcome. Most pupils in the Supergroups are at primary school.
Camden Guitars
Camden Guitar Orchestra and Guitar Ensemble are for guitarists who have been learning for at least a year. They play both classical and electric instruments, and can read either notation or tab.
Membership is by audition or invitation, and the ensembles welcome players of a variety of guitar styles. They offer specially written parts to accommodate different techniques.
Camden Philharmonia and Camden Concertante
These string ensembles are for violinists, violists, cellists and bass players who play at Grades 1 to 5. Music is specially arranged for the groups for each course. Pupils at primary school play in the Philharmonia,. Concertante is for secondary school students, and membership is usually by audition or invitation
Camden Philharmonic Band
The Philharmonic Band is for brass, woodwind and percussion players playing at Grade 3 and above. Membership is by audition or invitation
Camden Percussion Ensemble
Members of the percussion ensemble play in a group together. They also form the percussion sections of the Philharmonic Band and Youth Orchestra, so they are kept pretty busy. Membership is by audition or invitation. Members play at a range of different standards. All have percussion or drum kit lessons, and can read notation.
Camden Youth Orchestra
The Camden Youth Orchestra rehearses for four intensive weekends per year. This is usually at the start of the Autumn and Spring half-term, in January and early in the Summer term. The orchestra undertakes a tour every two years, and the tour orchestra rehearses over the May half-term weekend.
Camden Youth Orchestra performs at major London venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and LSO St Luke’s.
Membership of the orchestra is by audition in the Summer term, and members play at Grade 4 standard and above. Most members are aged 12–18.
Philharmonic Band, Concertante, Philharmonia, Guitar Orchestra, Supergroups
- Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October
Camden Youth Orchestra, Percussion Ensembles
- Saturday 24th October to Monday 26th October