Regional Ensembles

Staffordshire Performing Arts organise several regional ensembles whose members can attend County Music School (CMS) courses. 

Membership of regional ensembles will be by audition for potential new members.  Auditions for aspiring members are held annually in the summer term, although vacancies can arise throughout the year (especially on less common instruments).  Any pupil resident in Staffordshire or attending a Staffordshire school is eligible to apply for an audition.  Successful applicants will be expected to give a commitment for a full academic year.  Please note that a yearly subscription is charged to cover the cost of tuition, music, rehearsal and concerts.  Please click here for further information on subscription charges.

Candidates will be expected to play a good standard piece of their own choice and to discuss their performance with the panel. Depending on the instrument, prepared sight reading or simple tests may also be included in the audition.  Success will depend on a number of criteria including posture, good technique, adaptability, musicality and, most importantly, potential.

All instrumental groups are Grade 4 and above except the Recorder Ensemble and choral groups which are approximately Grade 2 and above.

Please discuss your application with your teacher to decide whether you are ready to apply.  Existing Regional members who wish to transfer to a different ensemble should apply for an audition in the normal way to ensure a fair comparison with potential new members.  Application forms are available in the spring term through instrumental teachers or directly from Staffordshire Performing Arts.

County Music School Courses

CMS will be made up of members who have progressed through their local Performing Arts Centre to the Regional Ensembles as well as other talented musicians in Staffordshire up to the age of 21.  Members gain valuable music experience through regular courses and events throughout the county. 

The Friends

The Regional Ensembles and County Music School have its own 'Friends', a group of volunteer parents, whose work is vital to the success of the groups.  They generally work on a rota basis and represent the group to which their child belongs.  They support the young people of County Music School in the following ways:

• Provide refreshments at rehearsals on a rota basis.
• Represent their ensemble on the committee.
• Fundraise to enable groups to go abroad, participate in festivals and courses or provide transport to out of county venues.
• Help to pay for music and equipment, look after and make costumes.
• Help at concerts and organise raffles.
• Provide display and promotional material and photographs.
• Provide pastoral care at courses and other events.

Please contact SPA if you are interested in joining or helping the Friends on a rota basis - we really need you!

Further Information

Further information on the various Regional Ensembles will be available using the links on the left early in the Autumn Term.