North Hertfordshire
Area Head: Rebecca Hughes
rebecca.hughes@hertscc.gov.uk
Stevenage
Stevenage WInd Band get 97% in Trinity Guildhall Advanced Recital - Click HERE to read more!
Hitchin
Baldock
Royston
Stevenage Music & Arts Centre
Valley Way
Stevenage
SG2 9AB
Head
Rebecca Hughes
Tel: 01438 351138
Fax: 01438 746413
Email: rebecca.hughes@hertscc.gov.uk
Administrative Staff
Ann Armitage
Sarah Bain
Tricia Albone
Office Hours (Term time only)
Monday to Thursday: 08:00 - 19:30
Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
Saturday: 08:45 - 12:45
Tel: 01438 351138
Fax: 01438 746413
Email: northmusicenquiries@hertscc.gov.uk
North Herts Music School
Highbury Road
Hitchin
SG4 9RU
Tel: 01462 434052
Fax: 01462 442825
Email: northmusicenquiries@hertscc.gov.uk
Head
Meirion Williams
Tel: 01462 434052
Fax: 01462 442825
Email: meirion.williams@hertscc.gov.uk
Deputy Head
Stuart Ford
Email: stuart.ford@hertscc.gov.uk
Administrative Staff
Wendy Brownsell
Claire Thompson
Joanne Smith
Tel: 01462 434052
Fax: 01462 442825
Email: northenquiries@hertscc.gov.uk
Baldock (Saturday Only)
Knights Templar School
Park Street
Baldock
Herts
SG7 6DZ
Head
Helen King
Enquiries to Stevenage Music & Arts Centre
Tel: 01438 351138
Fax: 01438 746413
Email: northmusicenquiries@hertscc.gov.uk
Royston (Saturday Only)
Meridian School
Garden Walk
Royston
Herts
SG8 7JH
Head
Tessa Williams
Enquiries to Stevenage Music & Arts Centre
Tel: 01438 351138
Fax: 01438 746413
Email: northmusicenquiries@hertscc.gov.uk
 
Performing outside of The supermarket, Christmas 2006
Tuition at Stevenage Music & Arts Centre
Individual lessons
and Group lessons
are available for the instruments listed below.
Brass: Cornet, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, etc.
Drum Kit,
Guitar: Classical and Electric
Keyboard
Piano
Percussion
Singing
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass
Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone and Bassoon
Also: Drama, Gamelan, Musicianship/Aural, Music Technology & Steel Pans
Please click on the instruments to see the activities that support the individual group lessons listed above
Activities
All performing groups rehearse a wide variety of music, and give regular concerts at the Centre. Groups from the North Herts Music Schools may also have the opportunity to perform at outside venues such as the Gordon Craig Theatre.
All groups work with experienced staff to develop their instrumental skills through listening and playing as part of an ensemble
Choir
Saturday: 10.50-11.40
Members of all ensembles are strongly urged to join the choir which caters for children between 7 - 14 yrs. As well as being a ‘fun activity’, choral singing stimulates a child’s musical and aural development while improving sight-reading and co-ordination skills. Singing is an essential part of our children’s musical education and enhances their learning of an instrument.
Drama
12 - 16 years
Saturday: 10.50-11.40
From September to February the students work on their LAMDA Acting examination pieces, breathing & acting techniques inc. improvisation, mime etc. From February pupils work on the ‘history of theatre’ and towards the production at the end of the year.
7-11 Years
Saturday: 11.40-12.30
From September to February the students work on their LAMDA Verse & Prose examination pieces, breathing techniques and the ‘history of theatre’ (Greek & Roman). From February onwards we work on the production which usually takes place in July.
Both classes work on the history of theatre; Greek, Roman, Medieval & Commedia Del Arte, Shakespearean, Victorian to modern. We work on different styles and discuss costume of the period. The LAMDA examinations are there to build confidence and encourage clear and eloquent speaking. We complete the year with a production for friends & parents, this gives everyone a chance to show what we have worked on throughout the year.
Gamelan
For children, young people or adults who are interested in learning gamelan on a long-term basis, weekly classes are available, enabling you to delve deeper into the intricacies of the gamelan repertoire and technique. Courses begin every autumn.
There are regular informal concerts given by the various groups who study the gamelan at Stevenage, as well as more experienced players from around the country.
‘Playing gamelan will neither make me rich nor save my soul, but it might just make me a little more civilised’
Hardja Susilo, Javanese musician
Guitar
Guitar Ensemble
Saturday: 10.50-11.40
For Classical Guitar Players Grades 1-3 or equivalent.
This ensemble provides enjoyment from making music with others and also helps the individual’s musical and technical development using a wide range of repertoire.
Music Clubs
Pre School - Pied Piper Music Group
Wednesday afternoon sessions available. Times available on request.
Over 5’s Music Group
Monday sessions after school starting 16.00
We work with your children to develop their musical skills and build their confidence and most importantly ‘Have lots of fun’
Our activities reflect the building blocks of pitch and rhythm work, working with the voice and classroom percussion instruments.
Junior Music
Saturday: 09.30-10.30
For those children who have a particular interest in music or just started to play an instrument to provide a broad and balanced foundation course in musicianship, based on activities central to KS 2 curriculum but with the emphasis on the current and future needs of young instrumentalists.
Theory
Tuesday: 16.00-17.30
To prepare students for the Grade 5 Theory written exam which is needed in order to progress to grade 6 Associated Board practical exam. Children work individually at their own pace. Don’t leave it too late to join!
Music Technology
Saturday morning ~ Various times
This is for children in Year 8 and above (GCSE students welcome to aid the compositional part of the course). Some piano/keyboard experience will be necessary. The initial aim is to use computer sequencing software to aid composition and score writing in a range of styles including pop and rock. Work is ongoing and other forms of software will be introduced as the course develops.
Percussion
Percussion Ensemble
Tuesday:17.30-18.30
We welcome students having percussion lessons to this newly formed group. We aim to develop reading skills through ensemble playing. There will be opportunities to perform as a group and take part as members of larger groups.
Steel Pans
Stevenage Music & Arts Centre provide children and adult clubs.
Clubs for children run on a Monday after School and are grouped by age, whilst an adult club runs on a Saturday morning 4 times a term. These are for people who want to play on a more regular basis and have fun together. No prior musical knowledge is required.
Strings
Preliminary Strings (& Induction Group)
Saturday: 09.00-09.30 Preliminary Strings
Saturday: 09.30-10.30 Induction Group
For Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass Players
Your first string group. To encourage string players in the early stages of their learning to have fun while learning how to play together in an orchestra. Followed by induction group.
Junior Strings
Saturday: 09.30-10.30
For Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass Players Grade 1 or equivalent upwards.
A group which extends the students orchestral skills of watching and listening and playing musically as part of an ensemble.
Senior Strings
Saturday: 09.30-10.30
For Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass Players Grade 3 or equivalent upwards.
Players are expected to take greater responsibility for themselves and their instruments. Players are encouraged to improvise and be more aware of their own performances. They learn to be sensitive to each others playing, and develop their instrumental skills through listening and playing as part of an advanced ensemble.
Chamber Music Ensembles for String Players
Saturday: 10.50-11.40
For senior players this is an important part of their musical training Students develop co-operative and independent approaches to music making.
Training Orchestra for Wind and String Players
Saturday:11.40-12.30
Bringing together all disciplines string, wind, brass, percussion. A chance to cover the junior orchestral repertoire.
Wind/Brass
Junior Wind Band
Saturday: 09.30-10.30
For Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Players Grade 1 or equivalent upwards.
Junior Wind Band rehearses a wide ranging repertoire appropriate to the standard. This group works together for their first ‘fun’ experience making music as a ensemble.
Intermediate Wind Band
Saturday: 09.30-10.30
For Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Players Grade 3 or equivalent upwards.
A group rehearsing a wide ranging repertoire, giving regular concerts working with experienced staff to develop their instrumental skills further.
Stevenage Wind Band
Wednesday: 18.00-19.30
For Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Players Grade 5/6 or equivalent upwards.
To provide students up to A level standard the opportunity to experience and achieve a high standard of performance. Also includes work towards GCSE/A level ensembles.
North Herts Youth Jazz @ Stevenage
Thursday: 16.45-18.15
Welcomes players who enjoy big band repertoire. We give regular concerts for charity and in the community. Whilst enjoyment is a priority the students work hard to achieve a high standard.
Stevenage Wind Band News
Wednesday: 18.00-19.30
Congratulations to those in Stevenage Wind Band who took their Trinity Guildhall Advanced Recital examination last week and gained an amazing 97% for their performance. The examiner described what had been achieved as "tremendous." In addition many of the players set themselves the challenge of gaining grade 1 on a second instrument that they only started learning less than 2 months ago. This was an additional sponsored challenge to raise money for their European tour to the Rhine and Moselle Valley this July. The examiner awarded 14 distinctions and 3 merits. 
Tuition at North Herts Music School (Hitchin)
Individual lessons
and Group lessons
are available for the instruments listed below.
Brass: Cornet, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, etc.
Guitar: Classical and Electric
Recorder
Singing
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass
Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone and Bassoon
Also: Drum Kit, Keyboard, Piano, Pre-School Music
Please click on the instruments to see the activities that support the individual group lessons listed above
Activities
All performing groups rehearse a wide variety of music, and give regular concerts at the Centre. Groups from the North Herts Music Schools may also have the opportunity to perform at outside venues such as the Gordon Craig Theatre.
All groups work with experienced staff to develop their instrumental skills through listening and playing as part of an ensemble
Guitar
Junior Guitar Ensemble
Monday: 16.45–17.45
An ensemble for young 'classical' guitarists of grade 1 -2 or equivalent standard
Intermediate Guitar Ensemble Mondays 5.45 – 6.45pm
An ensemble for players between grade 2 and grade 3 standard or equivalent.
Recorder
Advanced Recorder Ensemble
Thursday: 16.30–17.00
For more experienced players of Grade 3-4 standard or equivalent with well-developed sight-reading
skills.
NHMS Recorder Consort
Thursdays 16.00–16.30
Members are usually, but not always, selected by invitation from the Advanced
Recorder Ensemble.
Singing
Junior Choir
Saturday: 10.30 - 11.15
ALL junior ensemble members are strongly urged to join the Junior Choir which caters for the 7 – 12 age range. Singing helps to stimulate musical and aural development
Intermediate Choir
Thursday: 16.30-17.30
A natural progression from the Saturday morning Junior Choir, the Intermediate Choir is a mixed choir for pupils who have already gained some proficiency in part singing and wish to broaden their experience.
String ensembles
Bass Club
Saturday: 09.00 - 09.30
By playing together bass players gain a wider experience of group music making before going along to play in one of the other orchestras.
Beginner String Orchestra
Saturday: 09.30 - 10.30
This is for pupils who have been learning short time and can now read simple tunes. The aim is to have fun while learning how to play together in an orchestra.
Junior String Orchestra
Saturday: 09.30 - 10.30
For Grade 1 or equivalent players and those working toward Grade 2 or equivalent
Intermediate String Orchestra
Saturday:
10.45 - 12.15
For players who have progressed beyond Grade 2 (or equivalent) standard.
String Chamber Music
Saturday: 09.45 - 12.15
For players that are approaching Grade 5 or equivalent
North Herts Youth Orchestra
Tuesday: 17.30-19.30
A full symphony orchestra which draws on players from North Herts Music School and Stevenage Music Centre, as well as the two ‘Saturday morning’ centres at Royston and Baldock. Membership is by audition. Wind players should be about Grade 7 or equivalent standard and string players Grade 5 ( or equivalent) upwards.
Music Club
Pre School Music (with carers)
Times available on request
Age 5+ Music Club
Monday: 15.45 & 16.15
30 Minute sessions x 10 session per term
The activities in this school aged class are designed to complement Key Stage1/2 Music lessons and may place additional emphasis on the current and future need of children who are beginning or wanting to learn an instrument.
Wind/Brass
Junior Wind Band
Saturday: 11.15 - 12.15
Provides a natural link between the activities of the Junior Brass Band and the Junior Wind Ensemble. Entry is generally by teacher recommendation.
Junior Brass Band
Saturday: 09.00 - 10.00
New players should have developed a musical range of one octave. No audition is necessary, but a teacher’s recommendation is required.
Intermediate Wind Band
Saturday: 11.15 - 12.15
The minimum standard for players in this group is Grade 3 or equivalent
Intermediate Brass Band
Saturday: 10.00 - 11.00
For players already above Grade 3 or equivalent standard.
Junior Woodwind Ensemble
Saturday: 09.00 - 10.00
Open to young players of all woodwind instruments (flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons and saxophones.)
Intermediate Woodwind
Saturday: 10.00 - 11.00
For more experienced woodwind players who are Grade 4 or equivalent (upwards.)
Brass Chamber Groups
Saturday
Open to all brass players of Grade 5 or equivalent standard (upwards).
North Herts Wind Band
Wednesday: 17.00-19.00
Open to players of Grade 6 or equivalent (upwards), the Wind Band caters for woodwind, brass and percussion players up to school leaving age. Membership is by audition.
North Herts Brass Band
Monday: 17.00–19.00
North Herts Youth Jazz @ Hitchin
Tuesday: 17.00-18.30
As well as catering for woodwind, brass and percussion players of about Grade
4/5 or equivalent (upwards), the Jazz orchestra also provides an outlet for jazz pianists
and vocalists.
Tuition at Baldock Saturday Morning Music School
Choir
09.15-10.00
Junior Brass
10.00-10.15
Junior Strings
10.15-11.00
Intermediate Brass
Woodwind Ensemble
Junior Training Wind Band
10.15-11-15
Intermediate Strings
11.00-11.45
String Quartet
11.45-12.15
Intermediate Wind Band
11.15 - 12.15
Percussion workshop. (This is a series of workshops for both instrumental and non-instrumental players.)
11.15-12.00
The standard required for junior groups is usually pre-grade 1 up to grade 3 or equivalent. Intermediate groups are grade 3/ 4 or equivalent (upwards).
All performing groups rehearse a wide variety of music, and give regular concerts at the Centre. Groups from the North Herts Music Schools may also have the opportunity to perform at outside venues such as the Gordon Craig Theatre.
All groups work with experienced staff to develop their instrumental skills through listening and playing as part of an ensemble
Tuition at Royston Saturday Morning School
Junior String Orchestra
String Orchestra
Woodwind Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble 1
09.15 - 10.00
Options Group A
10.00-10.30
Choir 1
General Musicianship
Chamber Groups (by invitation)
Guitar Ensemble
Options Group B
10.45-11.15
Choir 2
Theory
Junior Wind Band
Chamber Groups (by invitation)
11.15-12.00
Recorder Ensemble 1
Recorder Ensemble 2
Wind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble 2
All performing groups rehearse a wide variety of music, and give regular concerts at the Centre. Groups from the North Herts Music Schools may also have the opportunity to perform at outside venues such as the Gordon Craig Theatre.
All groups work with experienced staff to develop their instrumental skills through listening and playing as part of an ensemble
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