Ensemble playing is an integral part of musical training. Every pupil should have the potential to be a member of a youth orchestra, band or ensemble at some stage. Actual membership will depend on pupils reaching the required standard and the availability of places. Initial membership and progression within the orchestral system is by tutor recommendation with the possibility of auditions for membership of the senior ensembles and for positions within all ensembles.
Pupils receiving lessons from an external tutor should apply for membership directly to the Music Service office.
It is in the Orchestral System that the highest standards of performance are reached and that the musical, personal and social benefits are evidenced. Pupils who commit themselves fully to the opportunities orchestral membership offers will be given priority in terms of school based tuition and allocation of a Music Service owned instrument.
Over 700 pupils in the NEELB area play in Music Service orchestras and bands every week in Ballymoney, Portglenone, Antrim and Newtownabbey. Rehearsals are on Saturday mornings or weekday evenings during term time and all ensembles give at least 2 concerts each year.
There will be an opportunity for the intermediate orchestra, senior orchestra and senior band to make educational visits to Europe. Recent successful tours have been made to France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Belgium.
Senior Orchestra
-
Antrim Board Centre
-
Saturday, 10am - 12am
-
Conductor - Mr Clifford Lowry
-
Tutors - Mrs Gwyneth Reid, Mr Charlie Doherty, Mrs Leanne Reid, Mr Gordon Cobain, Miss Jenny Heaney
Senior Wind Band
Intermediate Orchestra
-
Antrim Board Centre
-
Saturday, 10am - 12am
-
Conductor - Mr Colin Elliott
-
Tutors - Ms Helena Nicholl, Miss Julie Reilly, Mrs Beverly Murray, Mr Graham Murray, Mr Jonathan Montgomery, Miss Jenna Clarke
Junior Orchestra
-
Antrim Board Centre
-
Saturday, 10am - 12am
-
Conductor - Miss Charlotte O'Hara
-
Tutors - Mr Joel Lowry, Miss Jill McDermott, Miss Thomasina Hall, Miss Sarah Bell
Junior Wind Band
Harp Ensemble
Northern Area String Orchestra (NASO)
Central Area String Orchestra (CASO)
Western Area String Orchestra (WASO)
-
St Mary's Primary School, Clady
-
Tuesday, 6pm-7.30pm
-
Conductor - Mrs Lindsay Boyd
-
Assistant - Ms Helena Nicholl
Southern Area String Orchestra (SASO)
Anyone interested in joining one of these ensembles should contact the Music Service Office on 028 94 482235/212.
