Get involved at South Derbyshire Music Centre
Music-making ensembles and groups for young musicians from beginner to advanced abilities, based in Newhall
South Derbyshire Music Centre offers children and young people the chance to make music and friendships in a welcoming environment. With a team of accredited, DBS-checked music teachers, students can join multiple ensembles each week.
Supported by subscriptions, grants, and donations, SDMC also provides financial assistance to ensure accessibility for all.
Get in touch or give us a try
WMC is based at the Pingle Academy in Newhall (map), with 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!
Our groups and ensembles
Any musical ability is welcomed at Derby Music Centre, with groups for total beginners up to an advanced standard.
For woodwind players
- Club Band – Tuesday evenings
If you can play a few notes on woodwind, brass, recorder, or even a Dood or Toot, this group is for you! With fun ensemble playing with support from a dedicated team to help along the way.
- Junior Band – Tuesday evenings
Our Junior Band is for woodwind, brass, or percussion players with about a year of experience, typically at Grade 1-3 level (no exams required).
- Concert Wind Band – Friday evenings
This band is for players at Grade 4 level or above. The evening starts with separate woodwind, brass, and percussion ensembles, followed by a social break and full Concert Wind Band rehearsal. Guest conductors occasionally join to work with the band.
For brass and percussion players
- Club Band – Tuesday evenings
If you can play a few notes on woodwind, brass, recorder, or even a Dood or Toot, this group is for you! With fun ensemble playing with support from a dedicated team to help along the way.
- Junior Band – Tuesday evenings
Our Junior Band is for woodwind, brass, or percussion players with about a year of experience, typically at Grade 1-3 level (no exams required).
- Concert Wind Band – Friday evenings
This band is for players at Grade 4 level or above. The evening starts with separate woodwind, brass, and percussion ensembles, followed by a social break and full Concert Wind Band rehearsal. Guest conductors occasionally join to work with the band.
- Family Brass Band – Tuesday evenings
This group is for brass players at Grade 4+ level (no exams needed). Named for its family-friendly vibe, it welcomes players of all ages, whether solo or with family members!
For singers
- Kinder Choir – Tuesday late afternoons
We welcome to this new group any children from Reception to Y2. There will be singing, music activities and of course lot of fun!
- Junior Choir – Tuesday evenings
This choir is for children in Years 3-6, introducing them to part singing, diction, tone, and vocal range development.
- Senior Choir – Tuesday evenings
This four-part choir (sopranos, altos, tenors, basses) welcomes children from Year 6/7 and up, with a special invitation to boys with changing voices
- Cantabile Choir – Tuesday evenings
This established mixed-voice chamber choir of 38 members, open to young musicians and the community. It performs a diverse repertoire, from choral classics to close harmony pieces.