Torbay and South Devon Music Centre – Ensembles
Single Reed Ensemble (Clarinets, and Saxophones)
The Reed Ensemble uses all sizes of clarinets from soprano to contra-bass, and all sizes of saxophones. The larger instruments are provided by the Music Centre (the bass clarinet is called ‘Winston’ and the contra-bass is called ‘Connie’). We also have a baritone saxophone.
The repertoire is a wide range of classical, jazz and light music, specially arranged for these instruments by Marina and others.
The Ensemble plays in Music Centre concerts and often gives performances at other concerts and events.
Instruments:
clarinets of all sizes: E♭, B♭, alto, bass, contra-bass; saxophones.
Grades:
3 or over. Previous experience with the larger instruments is not necessary.
Directed by:
Marina Kummer. Marina has taught clarinet, flute and other wind instruments in Devon for many years. She is a graduate of Dartington College of Arts, where she studied with David Rix and Roger Fallows. She is music librarian at the Dartington International Summer School.
Concert Orchestra
Concert Orchestra is for players who have reached grade 1 standard. Music is arranged to suit individual standards. This orchestra provides a good introduction to playing in a group. The emphasis is on developing technique and expanding repertoire to increase players’ confidence .
Instruments:
violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone and brass instruments
Grades:
suitable for beginners and moderately experienced players of grades 1 and above.
Directed by:
Helen Wills. Helen teaches cello and piano, and uses the Suzuki method combined with traditional teaching. Some of her pupils have become professional musicians in their own right. She is a talented arranger.
Youth Strings
The Youth Strings is a more advanced string orchestra, giving more experienced players the opportunity to play standard reportoire without modification.
Instruments:
violin, viola, cello, double bass.
Grades:
5 to 8. This group is suitable for players with more experience.
Directed by:
Goska Kosmaczewska.
Youth Orchestra
The Youth Orchestra is suitable for more advanced players, and gives strings, wind and brass an opportunity to play together.
Instruments:
all orchestral instruments.
Grades:
3 to 8. This group is suitable for players with more experience.
Directed by:
Moira Devonport. Moira is a double bass player and has extensive experience teaching music in schools and leading youth orchestras.
Brass Ensemble
The Brass Ensemble is suitable for beginners and less experienced brass players. A wide variety of music is played with parts for all brass instruments.
Instruments:
All brass instruments: trumpet, cornet, trombone, baritone horn, French horn, tuba.
Grades:
No grades and higher. Suitable for beginners and experienced brass players.
Directed by: Hannah Spooner
Fast Forward
An instrumental group for strings, wind and recorders at beginner level, directed at those who have received a term’s wider opportunities sessions at school.
Instruments:
any instrument: guitars, strings, recorders, flutes, clarinets, trumpets, etc.
Grades:
intended for beginners, up to grade 1.
Directed by: Tom Deam (Tuesdays Directed by Lou Darvid and Mark Farrin) (Thursdays Directed by Mark Farrin and Moira Devonport)
Flute Choir
The Flute Choir gives flautists the opportunity to play rare and valuable bass and alto flutes, and encourages the playing of the piccolo. Flute choirs have some beautiful music written and arranged for them.
Instruments:
piccolo, flute, alto flute, bass flute.
Grades:
suitable for moderately experienced and advanced flute players, grades 3 or more.
Directed by:
Claire Hindle, an accomplished teacher of woodwind and piano in schools and privately, with over 20 years experience. She has conducted many woodwind ensembles and orchestras. Claire believes that music should be a fun and rewarding experience for both adults and children.
For more details visit her website.
Percussion Samba Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble has access to a wide range of tuned and untuned percussion belonging to the music centre. They play as an ensemble and join in with the other bands and orchestras to learn the craft of the percussionist. Previous members of the ensemble are now professional percussionists, teachers and examiners.
Instruments:
All orchestral percussion instruments including bass drum, side drum, cymbals, drum kit, tuned percussion (xylophone, glockenspiel, etc.) and timpani.
Grades:
0 to 8. This group is suitable for players of all standards.
Directed by:
Colin Bellworthy. Colin has an enormous reputation as a performer and teacher both in the South West and nationally. We are very lucky to have a musician of his standing here in Torbay and South Devon.