Get involved at Dark Peak Music Foundation
Music-making ensembles and groups for young musicians from beginner to advanced abilities, based in and around Glossop
The Dark Peak Music Foundation is a dynamic music center in Derbyshire’s Peak District, dedicated to inspiring young musicians from Glossop, New Mills, Chapel-en-le-Frith, and beyond.
With a mission to foster musical growth and community, we offer progressive ensemble opportunities and community events under the guidance of professional musicians. We aim to build skills, confidence, and friendships through music for students of all levels.
Get in touch or give us a try
Dark Peak Music is based at Victoria Hall in Glossop (map), but has groups and ensembles happening across the Glossop and Chinley area throughout the week. Take a look at the groups below for more information.
New members are welcome to try at any time – simply get in touch with us for more information or to arrange a visit, we'd be happy to welcome you!
Groups and ensembles
Any musical ability is welcomed at Dark Peak Music, with groups for total beginners up to an advanced standard.
For young music-makers
- Supertonics – Wednesday late afternoons at Whitfield St James Primary
For children ages 4 and up, helping them build musical foundations before learning an instrument. Members engage in games and activities to develop essential skills like pulse, rhythm, and pitch accuracy.
- Leading Notes – Wednesday early evenings at Whitfield St James Primary
For aged 7+, this group enhances musicianship and supports early instrumental learning. Through games, movement, and singing, children build confidence and develop skills for ABRSM aural tests.
- Theory Classes – Friday early evenings at Victoria Hall, Glossop
Supporting instrumental learning and development
For string players
- Junior String Orchestra – Monday evenings at Glossopdale School
For beginner players up to grade 2 in a supportive environment. Children learn to play together with differentiated music, developing timing and sound while enjoying the experience.
- Intermediate String Orchestra – Monday evenings at Glossopdale School
For players with grade 2-4 ability, enhancing skills in energetic sessions. The group explores classical, folk, film, and pop styles, using carefully graded music for a rewarding experience.
- Senior String Orchestra – Mondays evenings at Glossopdale School
Senior Strings is our advanced ensemble for string players of grade 5+. The group explores sophisticated music across various genres, focusing on expressive playing and ensemble skills
- Dark Peak Youth Orchestra – Monday evenings at Glossopdale School
Bringing together players from Grade 3 and up to perform a variety of orchestral music, including popular classics and lighter pieces inspired by stage and screen.
- Orchestra of the Peaks – Monday evenings at Victoria Hall, Glossop
A community orchetsra for players of all ages with a minimum entry of Grade 3. It emphasises friendship and inclusiveness while performing popular classics and lighter music.
For woodwind, brass and percussion players
- Chinley Junior Band – Monday evenings at Chinley Community Centre
Glossop Junior Band – Friday evenings at Victoria Hall, Glossop
Entry-level ensembles for children starting their musical journey. They participate in Dalcroze and Kodály games, solo performances, and concert rehearsals, with music tailored to each child's abilities by expert directors.
- Intermediate Wind Band – Monday evenings at Victoria Hall, Glossop
The group performs a varied repertoire, including film music, and builds essential skills. Players often become “apprentices” in the Concert Band under senior mentorship.
- Dark Peak Concert Band – Friday evenings at Victoria Hall, Glossop
Our flagship ensemble, recognised nationally as one of the leading youth wind orchestras. Regularly performing at major festivals, it was recently invited to the Royal Albert Hall for the Music for Youth Proms.
- Dark Peak Youth Orchestra – Monday evenings at Glossopdale School
Bringing together players from Grade 3 and up to perform a variety of orchestral music, including popular classics and lighter pieces inspired by stage and screen.
- Orchestra of the Peaks – Monday evenings at Victoria Hall, Glossop
A community orchetsra for players of all ages with a minimum entry of Grade 3. It emphasises friendship and inclusiveness while performing popular classics and lighter music.
For singers
- Dark Peak Young Voices Choir – Tuesday evenings at the Victoria Hall, Glossop
Children enjoy a warm welcome as they sing diverse music, including pop and classical. The focus on vocal technique, fun, and emotional expression fosters confidence and well-being.