Get involved at Peak District Music Centres
Music-making ensembles and groups for young musicians from beginner to advanced abilities, based in Bakewell, Buxton and the Peak District area
Peak District Music Centres (PDMC) inspires young people with a lifelong love of music through ensemble experiences and expert guidance.
Our dedicated team helps young musicians grow in confidence and skill, striving for excellence in performances that are celebrated across the region.
Open to all backgrounds, PDMC offers financial support where needed, creating a welcoming community for young musicians and their families.
Get in touch or give us a try
PDMC groups run throughout the week, based at various locations across the Bakewell, Buxton and Hope Valley areas. 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!
Our groups and ensembles
Any musical ability is welcomed at Derby Music Centre, with groups for total beginners up to an advanced standard.
For string players
- Bakewell Beginner Strings – Thursday evenings at Bakewell Methodist Junior
Buxton Beginner Strings – Friday evenings at Buxton Infant School
Our Beginner String Ensembles welcome young musicians up to Grade 1 level, building ensemble skills to prepare for intermediate and senior groups.
- Training String Orchestra – Friday evenings at Buxton Infant School
Providing an excellent opportunity for young musicians of an approximate Grade 1-3 ability to experience playing in an ensemble alongside other developing players and enjoy playing in public concerts.
- Intermediate String Orchestra – Friday evenings at Buxton Infant School
Our Intermediate String Orchestra offers Grade 3-5 musicians ensemble experience, regular public performances, and opportunities for workshops, residential courses, and collaborations with senior players.
- Peak District String Orchestra – Friday evenings at Buxton Infant School
A senior ensemble known for performances at venues including the Albert Hall. Joining PDSO crowns years of progress, offering musicians major performance opportunities, workshops, and residential courses.
For woodwind, brass and percussion players
- Hope Valley Beginner Winds – Tuesday evenings at Hope Valley College
Buxton Beginner Winds – Wednesday evenings at Buxton Community School
Bakewell Beginner Winds – Friday evenings at Lady Manners School, Bakewell
Our Beginner Wind Ensembles welcome musicians up to Grade 2 level, building foundational ensemble skills for progression to intermediate and senior groups.
- Intermediate Wind Band – Friday evenings at Lady Manners School, Bakewell
Our Intermediate Wind Band offers Grade 3-4 musicians ensemble experience, regular public performances, and opportunities for workshops, residential courses, and collaborations with senior players.
- Peak District Big Band – Wednesday evenings at Buxton Community School
Adding a jazz dimension to PDMC, this group performs a wide repertoire of jazz classics at regular gigs. Members typically come from our intermediate or senior ensembles and enjoy a dedicated fan following.
- Peak District Wind Band – Friday evenings at Lady Manners School, Bakewell
A senior ensemble, performing at venues like Birmingham Conservatoire. Joining at Grade 4-5, members often lead sections, perform solos, and mentor peers, with opportunities for major performances, courses, and workshops.
For singers
- Junior Choir – Monthy on Saturday mornings at Buxton Community School
Our Junior Choir is a great place for young people in Y2-Y7 to enjoy singing a variety of musical styles with friends.