You are here: University of Huddersfield : Academic Schools : Music, Humanities and Media : Music & Music Technology : Ensembles
You are here: University of Huddersfield : Academic Schools : Music, Humanities and Media : Music & Music Technology : Ensembles
Most groups select players at the beginning of the academic year, but anyone interested in participating in the ensembles listed below should contact the director concerned to see if there are opportunities to join. These are the ensembles that are run by the department, but students frequently form their own chamber groups for more informal performances, sometimes undertaking professional engagements. In years 2 and 3, there is the opportunity to use participation in one of the department's larger ensembles, or to form your own chamber ensemble, as part of your degree credit. Year 1 students all sing in the University Choir as a minimum, but often take part in further groups.
Use the links above to find out more about the universities ensembles.
The symphony orchestra specialises in the performance of orchestral music from the Classical Period to the present day. There is at least one concert performance per term, which usually includes music in a range of styles, and there are also opportunities for suitably qualified students to play concertos and other solo repertoire with the orchestra. Members of the orchestra usually accompany works performed by the University Choir.
Recent concert repertoire has included:
Membership is by audition, usually at the beginning of the academic year. Places in the wind and brass sections are very competitive, with priority given to players in years 2, 3 or postgraduate students.
Orchestra auditions will be held during the first teaching week, most during the afternoon and evening of Wednesday October 3. For full details see the Orchestra notice board, or email Barrie Webb
Ensemble director: Barrie Webb
The University Symphonic Wind Orchestra meets weekly in terms 1 and 2, as well as taking part in the Summer Showcase concerts. Rehearsals are on Tuesday afternoons, with additional rehearsals as necessary approaching concerts.
Recent concert repertoire has included:
How do I join? Woodwind players will mainly be selected from second and third year students, with seating based on a combination of performance recital results and the recommendation of instrumental tutors. Where numbers are insufficient, the sections will be completed with first year students. The final list of students required, including brass and percussion players, will be posted on the relevant notice board during Induction Week in September.
Ensemble director: Phillip McCann (Pictured left) (Room M2/06, or contact via part-time staff pigeon holes)
The University Brass Band predominantly specialises in the performance of original brass band repertoire. The band performs regularly throughout the year, including lunch hour concerts in a number of magnificent local town halls; these concerts include a wide ranging selection of both original and transcribed music. These particular concerts have built up a large, appreciative and loyal following. Many of the members are signed to local bands, including Sellers International, Hepworth, Pennine and Skelmanthorpe.
Recent concert repertoire has included:
Members are selected primarily from second and third year students, with seating based on a combination of performance recital results and the recommendation of instrumental tutors. Where numbers are insufficient, the sections will be completed with first year students. The final list of students required, including percussion players, will be posted on the relevant notice board during Induction Week in September. Rehearsals are held on Thursday mornings in terms 1 and 2, and the band also contributes to the Summer Showcase concerts.
Ensemble director: Phillip McCann (Room M2/06, or contact via part-time staff pigeon holes)
The University Choir rehearses in St Paul's Hall on Thursdays from 3 - 5pm, and is open to all enthusiastic singers (there is no audition). The choir performs two or three times a year, usually accompanied by the University Symphony Orchestra. All first year Music students are members of the University Choir.
The University Choir rehearses in St Paul's Hall on Thursdays from 3 - 5pm, and is open to all enthusiastic singers (there is no audition). The choir performs two or three times a year, usually accompanied by the University Symphony Orchestra. All first year Music students are members of the University Choir.
Ensemble director: John Bryan
The New Music Ensemble specialises in the performance of music by living composers, though concerts have also included works by early twentieth-century composers such as Constant Lambert and Stravinsky. The 2006-7 season includes a concert as part of the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, featuring music by Morton Feldman, John Cage and Christian Wolff and also the world premiere of a specially commissioned work by local composer and doctorate student Nick Williams. Members are selected by the ensemble director, largely on the basis of orchestral auditions in September and subsequent solo performance recitals. Membership varies widely, as it is dependent on the choice of repertoire
Ensemble director: Barrie Webb and Philip Thomas
The Early Music Ensemble specialises in the performance of instrumental and vocal music from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods. The group rehearses at various times depending on the forces and works towards specific concerts with selected personnel: voices capable of singing one-to-a-part, recorders, viols, crumhorns, sackbuts and other early instruments as required.
We welcome players of modern instruments who are interested in 'converting' (from trombone to sackbut, for example), as well as those new to early music. Students are given ensemble coaching on early instruments that are new to them. We have a large stock of early music instruments available for students to try and to borrow.
Repertory varies from concert to concert but has recently included the medieval 'Play of Daniel', renaissance dance music from around Europe, madrigals by Monteverdi and Christmas music from renaissance Spain.
Ensemble directors: John Bryan and Lisa Colton
There are opportunities to perform chamber choral repertoire with the Early Music Ensemble and some other groups. A chamber choir is sometimes formed for specific performances, though at present there is no regular rehearsal.
Instruments used in Kagel's Acustica
The Experimental Music Group specialises in the performance of music by composers working within the experimental tradition. Repertoire often includes work with graphic or text scores, and utilises unconventional instruments and/or playing techniques. There is not a regular rehearsal time because the group meets to realise specific projects, normally related to the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (www.hcmf.co.uk). If you'd like to join, just ask! Many of the pieces do not require specific instrumental skills but call on your wider musicianship. Most of the players have taken the second year module in Experimental Music or Improvisation, but this is not a requirement.
Recent performances have included:
Ensemble director: James Saunders
Piano duet partners are organised by Sally Ann McCleod each September, and she welcomes any pianists of any standard; you will be matched to someone of a similar current ability level. After an initial meeting for anyone interested in joining, there are several meetings and workshops (and some individual sessions too) for the rest of the teaching year.
You will explore a wide range of repertoire, covering piano duets and piano duo writing. Performance opportunities in concerts and workshops provide valuable experience and this is an excellent opportunity to build confidence, work with others and get to know other musicians.
Ensemble director: Sally Ann MacCleod (contact via part-time staff pigeon holes)
The Flute Choir meets at various times during terms 1 and 2; all flautists are welcome to attend. The ensemble specialises in the performance of a wide variety of flute repertoire, including the use of piccolo as well as alto and bass flutes. The group also works on the development of good ensemble playing techniques.
Ensemble director: Nicola Hunter (contact via part-time staff pigeon holes)
Opera Class is a credit-bearing module in Year 3 that runs in most academic years. Although it is not really a regular ensemble, the director frequently invites participation from other singers and instrumentalists in the department, depending on repertoire.
Module leader: John Bryan
For more information about Percussion Studies Click Here
Ensemble director: Chris Bradley (contact via part-time staff pigeon holes)