Abney Orchestra is a fun, friendly, community orchestra, playing light classics and popular film music. We are always looking for new members - no auditions - all ages and abilities welcome.

We are a warm and friendly band with a wide repertoire of music. We do concerts, weddings, carnivals, marching displays and much more. We are looking to recruit players in all sections of the band, but particularly brass at the moment. If you fancy joining us, either contact us via the web page or ring the contact details also found on the website.

Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra is an ambitious but friendly orchestra with a broad repertoire ranging from Vaughan Williams and George Butterworth to Dvorak and Beethoven. Chief conductor and President is Richard Howarth, former leader of Manchester Camerata, and other professional conductors include Orr Guy, Juan Ortuno and Robert Chasey. We give four concerts each season at Alderley Edge Festival Hall and Alderley Edge Methodist Church.

We would still welcome all Strings, Bass, Bassoon and Percussion. If you used to play then give me a ring. Tuesday rehearsals are great fun with no pressure on anybody. Playing proficiency is mixed, but perhaps a minimum of grade 4 standard is needed to enjoy it.

We are an orchestra that plays light music - principally composed in the 20th century but also overtures, suites, ballet music, symphonic movements etc. from the 18th and 19th centuries. String, brass and woodwind players are all welcome.

Small string orchestra, established in 2004, playing in South Manchester area.

Always seeking new players, particularly; horn, bassoon, tuba and trombone.

See bdyo.org.uk for more info.

String players are always welcome to join the orchestra. Informal auditions are held for wind and brass players when vacancies arise.

Blackpool Symphony Orchestra attracts players from across Lancashire. We perform 3-4 concerts a year and like to include lesser known works in our programmes as well as collaborating with with local arts organisations and running educational outreach projects. String players particularly welcome.

Bolton Chamber Orchestra is an amateur orchestra that has been performing in Bolton for nearly 50 years. We perform three concerts a year in and around the Bolton Area. We currently have vacancies.

At Bolton Symphony Orchestra we are a friendly, welcoming orchestra. We play six concerts a year at The Victoria Hall in Bolton (every other month, starting in January.) We rehearse in the week prior to the concert; usually Thursday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday day (with the concert on the evening of the Saturday.) We are currently looking for strings (particularly violas, cellos and double basses) however, whatever your instrument, please get in touch if you would like to join and we will happily see where we can fit you!

Founded in 1974, The Borders Orchestra provides opportunities for musicians of all ages and varying abilities to join together and make music. We play an eclectic range of music including everything from film and stage music, to classical and light music favourites. The aim of the orchestra is to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere to promote, improve and develop an enjoyment of playing together irrespective of ability. We usually hold 2 concerts a year in local community venues.

Burnley Orchestra - Playing great works by great composers, lots of variety over several concerts throughout the year, with a light friendly atmosphere.

CAOS is a choir and orchestra society in Manchester set up in 1988. We are a non-audition group, encompassing both students from all universities in Manchester and members of the public, we aim to be as accessible as possible for all. We'll perform a curated list of pieces and performances from films, musicals and timeless classics. We rehearse once a week on Tuesday's 6pm during the university term and give two concerts a year, in addition to residential trips and social events.

An ensemble of the Dark Peak Music Trust, suitable for beginners to Grade 2

Cheshire Sinfonia was formed in May 2005 with the intention of providing excellence in music making for players and audiences alike. The orchestra comes together for a brief but intensive period of preparation before each concert and players join by invitation or audition on a concert by concert basis. This flexibility enables the orchestra to attract the best available players for each concert. In five short years, Cheshire Sinfonia has attracted widespread acclaim for its quality of ensemble, blend and the sheer freshness and exuberance of its performances. In addition to its own season of concerts, Cheshire Sinfonia collaborates in performances with its sister organisation, the chamber choir CHORALE, and has accompanied a number of the region's choral societies, including Chester Music Society, Stockport Grammar School and the Barnby Choir.

This band has been in existence for over 30 years and is a rehearsal band, although we do perform occasional concerts. We play the swing music of Count Basie, Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman etc and have a library of over 250 arrangements. There are vacancies and the opportunity to sit in from time to time. Players should ideally be competent to Grade 5 or above. Please get in touch if you are interested in joining us.

The Cheshire Youth Orchestra comprises some of the most talented young musicians from all over Cheshire. The Cheshire Youth Orchestra and the Cheshire Youth Training Orchestra provide a fun and friendly environment where young musicians can meet and play in a symphony orchestra setting on a regular basis to develop their musical skills. The minimum standard for entry to the CYO is that you are most likely to have passed Grade 5, or due to take it in the near future. For the CYTO, the same applies, but at Grade 3.

The Chester Big Band is an amateur group based in Chester rehearsing on Wednesday nights (8-10pm). We have our own library of over 300 songs and play a large repertoire of music from the big band era and beyond. 2017 has already seen an exciting influx of new members and a musical director but we are still looking for new brass players – trumpets and trombones in particular.

The Chester Community Orchestra is an amateur orchestra based near Chester, it was founded in 2001 to enable musicians of all ages and abilities to participate in a performing amateur orchestra. The atmosphere is friendly, informal and geared towards encouraging the best performances from its members and aiding their musical development. The orchestra has an """"open admission"""" ethos - which means that there is no audition and no one is ever turned away, the only requirements are a basic ability to read music, a desire to play with other performers and a sense of humour. There are 3 separate orchestras; Introductory, Intermediate and the """"Main"""" Orchestra, so there is sure to be an orchestra suitable to most playing abilities. The average attendance is between 60 and 70 players and a number participate in more than one orchestra. All three orchestras share the common goals of enjoyment, encouragement and development.

Chester Philharmonic was founded in 1884. The orchestra gives a minimum of four concerts annually. These are usually held in Chester Cathedral. The orchestra has a number of regular conductors and appoints both conductor and leader on a concert by concert basis. The orchestra also aims to provide young professional conductors and soloists concert opportunities.

We are an informal chamber orchestra who meet with our conductor Helen Thomas to play symphonies by Mozart , Haydn , Beethoven , Schubert , Mendelssohn , etc. New strings, and some woodwind / brass players are welcome.

The Band are looking for new members and have a variety of instruments available. It's first come, first served!

The Orchestra is being set up to give Chester's young players of every orchestral instrument the chance to play in a full symphony orchestra. The aim is to make the experience fun and friendly whilst also achieving a high level of professionalism, therefore developing musical skills and experience. The repertoire will always be varied and challenging and there will be 2 concerts per year.? Applications are invited from players up to the age of 21 and of approximately Grade 5 Level or above.

Usually give 3 concerts a year in Chesterfield or surrounding area

We are a friendly relaxed wind band based in the Ribble Valley. We play several concerts a year from a wide range of traditional and modern music. We always welcome new players of any wind and brass instruments.

We are a friendly amateur orchestra based in Colne, Lancashire and were founded in 1891! We have two concerts per year, one in March and one in November. New members are always welcome.

Con Fuoco has been in existence for over 15 years, we are a small, informal and friendly group of wind instrument players - currently flute, oboe, clarinets and bass clarinet. We are actively recruiting new members for our Wednesday rehearsals - all wind very welcome. We play a variety of music, from Mozart to The Beatles. We are mixed ability, no rehearsals, all fun.

The Concordia String Orchestra was founded in 1989. It is a very friendly orchestra which has its own extensive music library. The orchestra does not perform in public and there are no auditions. All you need is enthusiasm for string music and a willingness to work.

Recently formed chamber orchestra welcomes enquiries from new players.

The ages of the orchestra members range from 9 years up to 25 years. Younger players have their own Wind Tutor and String Tutor (Grade 2 upward) who run separate rehearsals as and when required. The Intermediate players are integrated into the main orchestra as soon as practicable. String players are particularly welcome, and we currently also have vacancies for bassoon players, and French horn players.

Cotebrook is a long-standing rehearsal orchestra which at present does not give concerts. It works on repertoire mostly from the classical and romantic repertoire, e.g. symphonies by Beethoven, Dvorak etc. Typically it rehearses two sets of works each ‘term’. It’s a great place to get exposure to a lot of repertoire. Vacancies for strings and brass, woodwind please enquire.

Crewe Concert Band was formed in 1982, for woodwind and brass players of all ages, and until April 2011 was known as Crewe West End Concert Band. We are predominantly amateur musicians, although some members are, or have been, professional musicians and/or music teachers. We represent a wide range of backgrounds, professions and age groups but we come together through a shared love of making music for our own enjoyment, and the enjoyment of others. We are immensely proud of the fact that we still have some of the Band's founding members within our lineup. Capability within the band varies, although most parts require a minimum playing standard of around grade 4/5. There are no auditions to worry about so if you're a bit rusty it's no problem. A number of our players have come to the band after a break from music and are rediscovering their talent and love for music once more. Get in touch if you would like to come along and give us a try, a warm and friendly welcome awaits

Gives 3/4 concerts per year in Liverpool/North Wales. New string players always welcome. For details of current vacancies please contact us via our website.

We are a friendly community wind band in North Manchester. We play a variety of music, from classical to jazz and pop, and new players are always welcome.

An ensemble of the Dark Peak Music Trust, by audition/invitation, Grade 4 and above.

An ensemble of the Dark Peak Music Trust, suitable for Grades 2 to 3.

An ensemble of the Dark Peak Music Trust, open to wind, brass and percussion players of all ages.

An ensemble of the Dark Peak Music Trust, by audition/invitation, Grade 4 and above.

Darwen Brass is a concert and contesting brass band based in Darwen, Lancashire conveniently located between Blackburn and Bolton. Formed in 2007, the focus is on audience entertainment as well as a high standard of musicianship.

We're a big band of saxophones, clarinets, flutes, trumpets, trombones, with bass, drums and piano. We always welcome new members - if you're interested in joining us come down on Thursday nights to LMRCA, Navigation Road, Altrincham.

We are a Territorial Army (TA) Wind Band based in Liverpool. Our repertoire of music is varied ranging from classical, big band to modern. We would welcome anyone that plays a wind, brass or percussion instrument that might be interested in coming along to a musical rehearsal and to find our more about the band. Please contact Richard Howe for more information.

Dating back to 1842, and recognising our military roots we have been playing a prominent role in commemorating the centenary of WW1 and the Accrington Pals, both on television and radio as well as live in concert. We continue to add to our repertoire of modern music, film scores, and popular music from the shows. Now constituted as a community wind band, we welcome musicians of all ages and ability without audition. Woodwind, brass, and percussion players all are equally welcome.

A rehearsal- type chamber orchestra playing repertoire from IMSLP for our own enjoyment. Rehearsals open to local community. Cake and a brew always provided!

Fusiliers Association [Lancashire] Band is a military style concert band. We welcome all brass and woodwind players [at any level] See out website for our concerts. We have been in existence about 10 years and have playing in Germany and Canada. We are playing France this year and back to Canada in 2008 with a possibility of playing in Cyprus in the next couple of years.

A friendly group, we enjoy playing light music and give about four concerts/events a year, mainly to raise funds for local charities. We also benefit from an arranger-in-residence, often reviving old music into a playable modern idiom. String players are especially welcome.

We do 3 regular concerts a year, plus others by invitation. We always welcome new string players.

An ensemble of the Dark Peak Music Trust, suitable for beginners to Grade 3

The orchestra is the oldest in the north west (founded in 1854) and presents five concerts each year, including one at Gorton Monastery. If you are interested in joining us, please email us with details of your instrument, playing standard etc. and we will be able to advise you if there are any vacancies in the orchestra. String players are always welcome, particularly violas and cellos.

The Haffner is a symphony orchestra drawing players from around Lancaster & elsewhere in the north west. We give three concerts a year, in November, February and June, and also do occasional community events like children’s concerts, “Come and Play”, (where people come and play alongside us), “Orchestra in the Street” (which speaks for itself), and masterclasses. We welcome new members(and we audition), but try not to be too scary.

Based in South Liverpool, Halcyon Syncopators is a group of like-minded musicians who love playing big band music of the 1930's to 1960's. Our repertoire comprises vocal and instrumental, high tempo and laid back arrangements

The Orchestra is always delighted to welcome new members, both playing and non-playing. We always have vacancies for String players, and a further percussionist would also be very welcome. We also have a vacancies for a French Horn and second Trombone.

We're a jazz band who welcomes all wind and brass players aged 10-18, of any ability. We rehearse on Mondays in term time, 5-5:45pm, at St Benedict's Primary School, Handforth, SK9 3AE. We regularly participate in local events and in concerts organised by our teacher.

We always have vacancies for experienced and enthusiastic musicians, so if you enjoy playing beautiful music in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, then come and join us on Thursday evenings! You will be warmly welcomed!

A Concert Band formed in 1996, playing all types of music. Currently seeking Solo Clarinet (at least Grade 8), Bassoon, Oboe, 3rd French Horn and auxiliary percussionist (glockenspiel). We play from 5 - 12 concerts a year and at least one is for Charity.

New string players are always welcome, and there are also occasional vacancies for wind players.

The Jan Modelski Pop Orchestra is based on the Wirral, and is looking to expand. Established in 2019 by Jan Modelski, this orchestra explores music from the world of pop, theatre and film. New members of all instrument groups are welcome. There is currently no audition.

We are a newly formed jazz and swing ensemble. We welcome all abilities to our friendly group, and are currently looking for a trumpet and trombone player, plus a few more saxes.

The Lancashire Artillery Band is a Reserve Army Band based in Bolton, Lancashire. We currently have vacancies for brass, woodwind and percussion players aged 18 and over, playing at Grade 6+ ABRSM.

We are a string orchestra which promotes 3 of our own concerts each year, and also performs with choral societies throughout the North West. We are keen to recruit string players of Grade 8 standard and above.

LCMC has over 20 individual ensembles, ranging from Junior Choir, for younger school-aged children (4 up), through to a Show Band and Symphony Orchestra. Members are of all ages and can join a range of ensembles for different abilities for the four main strands: strings, wind/brass, choir and recorders.

We play authentic dance-band music ""of the era"". Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, Drums, Bass, and Keyboard. All members, who are of a ""mature age"", play for their own enjoyment with very limited engagements. This ensemble has been established over 25 years and always welcomes new players and visiting guests.

The Light Orchestra G.B. (formerly the Trafford Light Orchestra) has been a feature of the local musical community for over 65 years. We are a friendly orchestra that welcomes amateur players of all standards to play a range of light music repertoire from across the ages – from classical to show tunes to music for concerts for children – and we play a minimum two concerts a year. We would be happy to hear from players of any instrument and whether you are a rusty returner, an experienced musician or someone who has little experience of playing in an orchestra, you would be made very welcome. We are keen to encourage new members and know that joining an orchestra can feel daunting so if you would like to talk to someone before you come along or simply turn up and give us a try we will be very pleased to see you. We have players from approx Grade 3 standard up and a basic level of sight reading is required. For further information please see our website or Facebook page or contact via email.

We are always welcoming string, woodwind, brass and percussion players of any ability, you just have to have to be able to read music. We play all sorts from classical, to film, to pop!

We give about 6 concerts a year, both orchestral and choral (with our Cantata Choir). String players (Grade 8 and above) are always welcome, especially violins. We also have vacancies for brass and percussion.

Gives four main concerts each year at Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra brings together the region's best emerging talent to perform exciting repertoire with fantastic conductors at the world-famous Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. You'll play alongside other talented musicians, honing your instrumental and ensemble skills with sectional coaching from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians and full rehearsals with our conductor, Dane Lam, and with visiting artists. Membership is open to all young musicians aged between 13 and 23 years. Applicants should normally have reached Grade 7 standard or equivalent; if you're not sure if you are eligible, just call us. Auditions take place in Liverpool in May and June. The closing date is Friday 2 May; we may hold auditions at other times during the year if vacancies become available.

Orchestra is open to violin, viola, 'cello and double players. A wide range of String repertoire. Also additional large scale String days held in Wirral 3/4 time a year.

We are a very friendly adult string group for beginner/intermediate standard string players. Particularly suitable for late starters, adult returners and those not quite ready to join a full orchestra. New members always welcome.

We are a friendly and welcoming group who perform at least 4 concerts per year. We perform a wide variety of music from traditional material to music from the stage and screen. We ALWAYS welcome new players and are looking to increase our numbers. If you play a Woodwind, Brass or Percussion instrument, come and 'give us a go!'

We are a small friendly orchestra who play light classical music and songs from the shows. We have approx. 3 concerts a year (Sun) and support the Michael Hall Theatre School with their concerts on Marton, Blackpool. We welcome any players from approx. Grade 4 standard -especially 1st violins.

Lytham Promenade Orchestra is an activity of the charity Youth Music (no connection with the Foundation for Youth Music) and was established in 1972.

The band is an opportunity for all brass, woodwind or percussion players to rehearse and perform a wide variety of concert band music. If you would like to join us please Contact Us and come along to a rehearsal. We pride ourselves on being a friendly community band who work hard to entertain the people of the North West. Use the website to send us a message.

Formerly known as the KEMS Concert Band (KCB), we operate within the King Edward Music Society of Macclesfield, which also has a Choir, an Orchestra and an informal Contemporary Music Group. The Concert Band rehearses on Wednesdays and we always welcome interest from potential new players, especially low winds, percussion and brass.

We are a friendly amateur orchestra and welcome players of any age. We play selections from shows and light popular classical pieces. We put on a couple of concerts a year supporting local charities, as well as a carol concert at Christmas.

Formerly known as the KEMS Orchestra, we operate within the King Edward Music Society of Macclesfield, which also has a Choir, a Concert Band and an informal Contemporary Music Group. The orchestra rehearses on Tuesdays and we always welcome interest from potential new players, especially strings and percussion.

We are a group of musicians dedicated to playing good music, enjoying ourselves, and helping to raise money for charities at the same time. Admission to our concerts is usually free but collections are made for the charity sponsored by each concert.

Manchester Medical Orchestra is an ensemble consisting of doctors, other health professionals and guests. We meet for ad-hoc workshops and charity concerts on a variable schedule dependent on the project. If you would like to join us for future projects, please contact me on rshotton@gmail.com

A friendly orchestra of intermediate standard, currently around thirty members, always ready to welcome new members. We have a wide repertoire ranging for example, from Beethoven and Vaughan Williams to Gershwin and Leroy Anderson. We play for our own enjoyment, and do not give concerts.

The musicians of the Manchester Philharmonic Orchestra perform chamber and symphonic music all year round. They make their homes across Greater Manchester and the North West of England and pursue a variety of professions, not all music-related.

We are a friendly but hard-working amateur ensemble made up of a mixture of music graduates and others who were looking to continue playing at an advanced level after leaving university. We play quality wind orchestra repertoire (both old and new) to a high standard and perform at least 4 concerts a year in venues around South and Central Manchester. MWO is, where possible, a one-per-part band so prospective players must be roughly Grade 8 standard and able to commit to weekly rehearsals. We are eager to hear from all instruments but have specific vacancies for flute, bass clarinet, bassoon, euphonium, horn and percussion.

Mereside Brass is a concert & contest brass band based in Plumley, between Northwich & Knutsford in Cheshire; which is led by Musical Director Mike Phenton. The band have performed all types of music around Cheshire including Arley Hall, Tatton Park, Middlewich, Winsford, Buxton and Chatsworth House. They have also toured on a number of occasion's in Europe playing in the Rhine Valley Germany, Luxembourg City, Belgium and Maastricht, Holland. More recently they enjoyed a band tour to the Isle of Man.

The Orchestra comprises approximately 30 members from various profession backgrounds and across all age groups. The Orchestra is presently on the lookout for string players, especially violins, but is also seeking to increase its membership in the other string sections (violas, ‘cellos and double basses). Enquiries are welcome from anyone who would like to join. No auditions are held, but anyone confident of their own performance and with a desire to partake in ensemble playing will be most welcome.

A cheerful bunch of (mostly) newcomers to brass band music. Some members have played in local competing bands and have joined us in retirement, others are near beginners and some are somewhere in between. We play mostly junior band music, enjoy ourselves and welcome anyone with a smidgeon of musical knowledge who would like to learn more. We don't compete and we don't march - but we play for local school or church fairs and in the local Town marketplace.

We are a community based group of around 30 brass, wind and percussion players, performing throughout the year at fetes, carnivals and festivals around the Nantwich area, including one formal concert each year. We welcome all players and have no minimum entry but grade 3/4 is a good level for 2nd/3rd parts. We also have a training band for beginners

 

Wind Orchestra with a regular 4 concert season at the Pyramid Arts Centre, Warrington. Current vacancies for trumpets, horns and percussion. Please contact us to enquire about other possible vacancies.

There are usually three concerts a year, towards the end of each school term. The music is varied, with classical favourites interspersed with some challenging (usually to play rather than to listen to!) more contemporary works. We are always looking to strengthen the orchestra and would particularly welcome string and brass players

Friendly, dedicated musicians in the heart of Lancashire! Ormskirk Music Society comprises a choir and orchestra performing four concerts a year in Ormskirk, Lancashire. The OMS orchestra plays a broad range of music from the great symphonies and concertos to the work of contemporary British composers, film music and light orchestral selections. We're always on the lookout for new players, especially brass and strings.

We are a community orchestra that welcomes all musicians from beginners just starting out, players who are trying to get back into playing and experienced players. We play a wide range of music from contemporary music to classical. Please contact us if you would like to know more. We have spare instruments to borrow if you don't have your own and experienced members who can help with tuition if needed.

A well established orchestra, holding concerts three times a year. We have a large selection of light orchestral music suited to musicians of Grade 6 standard and above. Players in all sections welcome.

We are a small friendly adult string orchestra, meeting weekly in Thornton Cleveleys. We hold concerts at least twice a year. We play a mixture of classical and light music arranged for strings. New members welcome, Grade 3+.

Based at the Lyceum Building, Port Sunlight, we play four concerts a year, with 1 or 2 outside engagements. We currently have vacancies in both violin sections. We also have a Summer Weekend course every August.

We play a wide range of music including classical orchestral music arranged for band, traditional marches, jazz and popular music. We perform mainly in Cheshire and support fund-raising activities for the Royal British Legion, particularly during the annual Poppy Appeal. We are always keen to meet new brass, woodwind and percussion players! Please note that we are not a marching band.

The band is an established concert wind band that performs throughout Lancashire through out the year. It has a friendly atmosphere and welcomes all players. Musical styles are Jazz, big band, Musicals, Film and light classical numbers.

A friendly group of flautists meeting to play ensemble music every other week. No audition, but about grade 3 standard upwards. All flutes from piccolo to sub-contrabass used.

We are seeking good string players for First and Second Violins, Viola’s, Cello and Double Bass. For more information and our rehearsal schedule please email either of the contact addresses.

Established in 1985, we are a friendly and welcoming orchestra, performing a concert each spring, autumn and at Christmas. We play selections from the classical repertoire, and also support the Andantino singers in vocal items.

The band is serious about music but relaxed, cheerful and friendly. Some of our members are former army bandsmen and the rest, keen amateurs, some of whom have only taken up music in their later years. We welcome anyone to join

Founded in 2008 by a group of enthusiasts led by composer/conductor Graham Marshall, the Rochdale Light Orchestra gives amateur musicians the opportunity to get together to rehearse and perform music of a light-hearted nature by a wide range of composers. There are no auditions, but it is expected that players will have reached at least Grade 5 on their instrument(s). New wind, brass, percussion,string and keyboard players are always welcome.

We are a military style concert wind band with strong links to the local community and to the armed forces, although we are entirely voluntary and comprised of non-military musicians. We welcome all brass, woodwind and percussion players playing to at least a Grade 5 standard. Throughout the year we have a busy schedule of concerts and engagements and, as the regimental band of the town of Bury we perform an important function in the marking of various annual events such as leading the Remembrance Sunday parade every November. We play a varied and ever-changing repertoire of wind orchestra music, so please get in touch if you'd like to find out more!

We welcome anyone, young or old. Present members ages range from 18 to retired. We are a very friendly group, and play several small local concerts each year. All instruments welcome, come along and give us a try.

We are a friendly and ambitious String Chamber Orchestra (often with invited wind players) performing around 4 concerts a year with our inspirational Conductor.

Re-formed in 1995, the Orchestra aims to provide local people with interesting programmes, performing four concerts per year and also platform opportunities for talented musicians (amateur and professional). Vacancies for string players.

Music is arranged to suit all abilities and we hold three fun charity concerts each year. The age range of our members at the moment is, 12 - 68 years old. Just turn up for a trial if you wish.

A friendly saxophone community of players, grade 3+, from all walks of life sharing a love for music and saxophone playing. We meet every month and play two concerts during the year. We also offer social events and intensive saxophone weekend courses. See our website for more information

A friendly and welcoming beginner saxophone ensemble aimed at players who are around grade 1 - 3 in standard. We play a variety of different music and hope to help you improve your saxophone playing and ensemble skills so that you can progress into the Saxophone Orchestra Manchester’s main ensemble.

Woodwind and brass players of all abilities are welcome to join. The repertoire covers a wide variety of music styles including light classical, musical theatre, film scores, jazz and pop.The aim is to enjoy playing music without the pressure of concerts.

South Cheshire Concert Band was formed in 2014, we are a group of enthusiastic players with an interest in a wide repertoire of music. Membership is normally suited to players who are grade 5 or above however, there can be exceptions to this, in certain circumstances and formal auditions are not required. Please visit our website for further information.

The Orchestra members (approx.32) represent all age groups, but the tendency is towards a more senior membership. Normally the Orchestra performs 3 concerts a year at its performance venue in Nantwich, Cheshire. No auditions are held, but the expected standard is about ABRSM Grade 5 or 6. Annual subscription currently £36 (£18 for students). Currently, the Orchestra is in need of competent violinists.

The South Liverpool Orchestra is a group of amateur and student musicians who meet every Tuesday at 7.30pm, throughout term-time, to play classical music together at Liverpool Hope University. The music they play changes every few weeks and they perform two concerts a year (May and December). They are always happy to see new musicians, so please get in touch if you would like to join.

South Ribble Concert Band perform a range of music such as light classical, music from films and musicals. We have a wide range of ages and abilities and are at present looking for percussionists, but any other player would be welcomed to join. We perform for local events and charitable causes around the Preston and South Ribble area.

A friendly string orchestra for all ages from grade 5/6 upwards to play from the string repertoire honing technique to achieve that 'pure string sound'. Members range from diploma standard and have extensive experience in playing in orchestras. You are assured of a warm welcome.

We are a friendly orchestra with over 50 members making a great sound, playing three concerts over the year, March, June/July and December. We welcome new members, particularly string players. If you would like to join us please either just come along or email admin@southportorchestra.co.uk

This daytime, amateur orchestra launched in February 2016. Anyone of a competent sight-reading ability is welcome to join us. The aim is to enjoy music-making in a friendly and sociable atmosphere. There are no plans to perform formal concerts.

Full symphony orchestra of very high non-professional standard. Eight concerts per year in Stockport Town Hall. Wide orchestral and choral repertoire.

Two complete symphony orchestras to cater for players of differing standards, with links to groups within Stockport Music Service for players who do not yet make this standard (e.g. SMS String Groups). They are coached by experienced professional instrumental tutors and performers. Advanced players are also encouraged to perform solo items with the orchestras in our series of concerts.

Sweet Rhythm Big Band is a not-for-profit big band which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. On average, we perform in public once a month at a wide variety of social events and fundraisers. Currently we are looking for a trumpet player to perform Michael Bublé, Bruno Mars, The Blues Brothers, The Jacksons etc. etc. No subscription fees. Free tea/coffee and chocolate biscuits during the weekly Friday evening rehearsals. Age and experience is not a problem but enthusiasm is essential.

First formed in 2010 we are a big band based on Wirral. We cover mainly swing and jazz with some latin and funk arrangements for band and vocal from the swing period (1930's) onwards. We have an extensive repertoire including many of the greats such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glen Miller as well as some of our own arrangements. Our band members have wide ranging experience, from those who played in the dance bands of the 50's and 60's to those more recently embarking on their musical careers. We rehearse weekly and gig regularly at indoor and outdoor events. We welcome new players, especially brass and you will find us friendly and supportive of those with less experience. Reasonable proficiency of sight reading is required (Grade 5 equivalent) and improvising skills useful but not essential.

Tarporley Silver Band formed in 1875 and has members that aim to enjoy their music as a group and try to improve their repertoire and performance by a regular weekly practice in our own band room. All ages and abilities are welcome to join the band. We have an extensive music library and some instruments are available for loan. You will find a friendly and supportive group of musicians, eager to play a variety musical pieces for their own enjoyment, and to play a few concert venues each year in the local area, such as fetes and parades, to support the community and meet our expenses. This band does not take part in competitions, but has experienced members who can bring a new player on, developing their talent to its full potential. There is currently no subscription or audition to be a member of this band.

We are a brass band that was been in existence constantly since prior to 1840, which makes us the oldest continuous band in the country of not the world. We need brass players at all positions - age and experience not a problem. We especially need cornets and basses.

We are newly formed and have vacancies in woodwind brass and percussion sections. We would welcome any players of all ages who have spare time on a Monday evening. It doesn’t matter what standard you are or even if you haven’t played for a long time you would be made most welcome.

The Vale Royal String Orchestra brings together experienced string players under the guidance of a professional conductor for concerts at Vale Royal Abbey and local churches.

We are a string/chamber ensemble based in central Manchester. We currently have vacancies for a violas, grade 6 or above, and a harpsichordist. Please contact via email, phone or our web page for more details of the group.

Warrington West Concert Band was established in 1997 and currently has about 30 players. We play a wide variety of music and perform 10-20 concerts each year. We are always busy at Christmas-time. We always welcome new players of any ability or any age, particularly brass. If you play flute, clarinet, alto/tenor/Bari sax, oboe, bassoon, trumpet/cornet, horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba or percussion, please come along and see us.

Based in Warrington Bridgewater High School (Upper School), Broomfields Road, Appleton, WA4 3AE and rehearsing every Saturday morning during school term time at, we have a membership of over 170, split between 8 groups. There are small groups for beginners, instruments provided, junior groups grades 1-3, chamber orchestra grades 3-5+, symphony orchestra grade 6+. More information is available on the website, no auditions required and free trial period available.

The band was formed in 1983 by Allan Jones and gives 5 - 6 concerts a year, at venues including the Royal Northern College of Music and The Forum Theatre, Romiley. The band has twice won the Gold award in the Community Band class of the Boosey & Hawkes National Concert Band Festival. The band accepts woodwind, brass and percussion players of Grade V standard or above.

There are always vacancies for good string players. The range of music means that vacancies can also arise in the wind, brass and percussion sections.

We are a friendly group of amateur musicians who enjoy making music together and performing at concerts and small music gatherings. As a community orchestra, we do not hold auditions and are pleased to welcome new members regardless of experience, instrument or age. Our repertoire is always varied and challenging with music ranging from light classical music, medleys from musical shows, film themes and popular pieces. We perform several concerts each year to support local charities.Our Musical Director, Jan Modelski, is passionate about music and is a full time professional musician with many years' experience as a conductor, performer and orchestral arranger, gaining an ever-increasing reputation in the orchestral music scene in the North West. Jan aims to ensure his rehearsals are relaxed and informal whilst at the same time enabling every musician to become the best they can possibly be. Come along for a free 'taster session', you will be given a very warm welcome and hopefully enjoy playing some great music with like-minded musicians.

Orchestra of invited players holding charitable concerts in Wirral.

Meets 3/4 times a year in Bebington , Wirral to play large String Orchestra repertoire pieces.

We are a 50 strong adult wind band established over 25 years ago , we generally do 4 concerts per year as well as lots of other local events, bandstand concerts and the national wind band festival (gold award winners). We have a few vacancies within the band and are looking for players of grade 5+ standard

 

Worsley Concert Band is an amateur wind band based at Wardley Community Centre, Salford. We were formed in 1974 and always welcome new players of any standard to join the WCB family. In particular, we would like to grow our bottom end, so enquries from tubas, bari saxes, trombones, euphoniums and bassons are encouraged!

Accompanying text: We are always keen to hear from good string players who are interested in joining the Orchestra. We are also happy to hear from good musicians who play other instruments, as from time to time other vacancies do become available, even if only on a temporary basis.