Area Performing Arts Centres 

Staffordshire Performing Arts (SPA) organises several Performing Arts Centres around the county within three regional teams (North, Central and East).  Each region has its own management team led by a Region Manager.  In addition to the day-to-day organisation of instrumental teaching for schools in their area, each Regional Manager looks after the range of activities provided by their centre. 

These include orchestras, string ensembles, choirs, wind bands and brass bands.  Some of the centres offer additional activities such as jazz ensembles, clarinet choirs, flute ensembles and guitar groups.  In addition, we shall be developing up to 22 satellite centres to meet the ensemble needs of less advanced pupils all around Staffordshire.  Please check the website regularly to find details on these centres when they are established.

The activities give pupils the opportunity to play and develop with other pupils from local schools in weekly rehearsals, concerts and sometimes even tours abroad.  Most ensembles are conducted by teachers who work for SPA and are often the pupil's own instrumental teacher in school.

Rehearsal and Concert Information

Further details on activities, rehearsal dates and concert information will be found by clicking on your local Performing Arts Centre when the information has been updated for the Autumn Term 2006.

Progression Through The Centres

The groups are graded, allowing a progression through the centre which leads eventually to the opportunity to audition for the Regional Ensembles when pupils have reached an appropriate standard.  For regional orchestras, string, brass, wind and jazz students should be approximately Grade 4 and above.  For regional choirs, early music groups and percussion ensembles, students should by approximately Grade 2 and above.

The Friends

The Friends of the Performing Arts Centres are a group of hard working parents whose aim is to assist staff, serve refreshments, help with fund raising and support the work of the Centre.  All money raised is used to benefit all members of the centre through the purchase of music and equipment.  If you would like to become a member or help in any other way please contact one of the Friends at your local Centre rehearsals.

Commitment

In return for the opportunity to join the Performing Arts Centres, we do ask for full commitment to rehearsals and in particular we ask parents to note the dates of concerts as soon as they are published, and to make every effort to see that their child attends.