Get involved at Derby Music Centre
Music-making ensembles and groups for young musicians from beginner to advanced abilities, based in Derby
Derby Music Centre (DMC) is a welcoming community where music and friendships thrive. Here, students find the motivation to persevere through challenges, whether in their musical journey or academic studies.
Through group playing, shared memories, and high-quality performances, Derby Music Centre inspires a deeper love for music and a sense of belonging in something truly special.
Get in touch or give us a try
DMC is based at Beaufort Primary School in Chaddesden (map), with most of its groups happening there on Saturday morning. 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 Derby Music Centre, with groups for total beginners up to an advanced standard.
For young music-makers
- Samba Band – Saturday mornings
Dive into Samba Group’s vibrant rhythms, creating new music each buzzing rehearsal.
For string players
- String Club – Saturday mornings
String Club is perfect for pre-grade string players with 5+ notes, offering a lively, feel-good start to ensemble music.
- St. George's String Club - Wednesday evenings (at St. George's Academy Littleover)
For St George’s CVA string players who know 5+ notes, this weekly after-school club is open to KS2 students and includes Derby Music Centre performances
- Junior Strings – Saturday mornings
For grades 1-3 ability, Junior Strings develops technique and musicianship with familiar pieces arranged by John. Members can also perform solos at the chamber concert.
- Intermediate Stings – Saturday mornings
This group, for players around grade 4-5, builds orchestral skills through varied music genres. All string players at the required level are welcome to join.
- Senior String Ensemble – Saturday mornings
For approx. grade 6+ standard, this group plays challenging string works, including Tchaikovsky and Elgar. With a focus on high-level ensemble playing, members push to achieve excellent performances.
- City of Derby Youth Orchestra – Saturday mornings
For approx. grade 6+, this orchestra performs diverse repertoire and plays at prestigious venues like Symphony Hall. Members help choose music and have opportunities to perform at major events.
For wind and brass players
- Wind Club – Saturday mornings
This is where it all starts for pre-grade players who have learned 5+ notes! Join us to play your instruments together, make friends, and have lots of fun along the way.
- Junior Wind Band – Saturday mornings
Grades 1-3 players explore Latin, rock, and traditional band music, with improvisation and backing tracks. A friendly space to build confidence in woodwind, brass, and percussion.
- Intermediate Wind Band – Saturday mornings
For approx. grade 4-5 standard, this band plays a wide range of music, from wind band classics to film and pop themes. Members develop ensemble skills across many musical styles.
- Intermediate Brass, Flute and Clarinet Ensembles – Saturday mornings
For players of grade 4-5, these groups play fun repertoire and build small ensemble skills. Members enjoy leading parts and choosing repertoire in a fun group setting.
- City of Derby Youth Band – Saturday mornings
For approx. grade 6+, this band plays challenging music and performs at major events. They’ve won Gold at the National Concert Band Festival.
- City of Derby Youth Orchestra – Saturday mornings
For approx. grade 6+, this orchestra performs diverse repertoire and plays at prestigious venues like Symphony Hall. Members help choose music and have opportunities to perform at major events.
- Swing Band – Saturday mornings
For approx. grade 6+, this popular band plays lively music and performs at top venues. They’ve earned Gold at the National Concert Band Festival and performed at the Royal Northern College of Music.
For percussion players
- Samba Band – Saturday mornings
Dive into Samba Group’s vibrant rhythms, creating new music each buzzing rehearsal.
- Junior Wind Band – Saturday mornings
Grades 1-3 players explore Latin, rock, and traditional band music, with improvisation and backing tracks. A friendly space to build confidence in woodwind, brass, and percussion.
- Intermediate Wind Band – Saturday mornings
For approx. grade 4-5 standard, this band plays a wide range of music, from wind band classics to film and pop themes. Members develop ensemble skills across many musical styles.
- City of Derby Youth Band – Saturday mornings
For approx. grade 6+, this band plays challenging music and performs at major events. They’ve won Gold at the National Concert Band Festival.
- City of Derby Youth Orchestra – Saturday mornings
For approx. grade 6+, this orchestra performs diverse repertoire and plays at prestigious venues like Symphony Hall. Members help choose music and have opportunities to perform at major events.
- Swing Band – Saturday mornings
For approx. grade 6+, this popular band plays lively music and performs at top venues. They’ve earned Gold at the National Concert Band Festival and performed at the Royal Northern College of Music.
For singers
- Voices Choir – Saturday mornings
The choir sings a variety of songs to strengthen vocal skills, perform at Derby Music Centre concerts and large regional events, with chances for solos and instrumental accompaniment.