Get involved at South East Derbyshire Music Centre
Music-making ensembles and groups for young musicians from beginner to advanced abilities, based in Kirk Hallam, near Ilkeston
South East Derbyshire Music Centre (SEDMC) provides inspiring musical experiences through rehearsals, concerts, workshops, and tours, creating a supportive space where young people can build confidence, skills, and friendships.
Run by experienced musicians, our programs foster rapid musical progress, creativity, and well-being. As a charity, we ensure affordable access with subsidies and free membership for those on Free School Meals, so every child can experience the transformative power of music.
Get in touch or give us a try
WMC is based at the Lakeside Centre at Kirk Hallam Community Academy (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!
Groups and ensembles
Any musical ability is welcomed at South East Derbyshire Music Centre (SEDMC), with groups for total beginners up to an advanced standard.
For budding young musicians
- BeatRoots – Saturday mornings
A fun session of movement, singing, and exploring musical sounds for children aged 4-9. No musical experience is needed, and children can try out different instruments.
For string players
- South East Derbyshire Junior Orchetsra – Saturday mornings
An orchestra for beginner to grade 3 standard which nurtures the early development of ensemble music-making by playing fun pieces in instrument families before joining together for the orchestral experience
- South East Derbyshire Concert Orchestra – Saturday mornings
A step up in standard to grade 3+ ability, this ensemble explores full ensemble playing where lengthier repertoire is played and ensemble skills developed.
- Senior Strings – Saturday mornings
Accessible for more experienced players of post-grade 5 standard, this string orchestra is where string technique is developed further through full string ensemble playing.
- South East Derbyshire Youth Orchestra – Saturday mornings
A youth orchestra for string players of approxiately grade3/standard, providing a full orchestral experience from known classical repertoire to film and popular musical arrangements written by the conductor.
For woodwind and brass players
- South East Derbyshire Junior Orchetsra – Saturday mornings
An orchestra for beginner to grade 3 standard which nurtures the early development of ensemble music-making by playing fun pieces in instrument families before joining together for the orchestral experience
- Woodwind Choirs – Saturday mornings
A chamber ensemble offering the opportunity for grade 3+ players to explore other instruments in the clarinet and flute families, learn good technique and play appropriate repertoire.
- South East Derbyshire Concert Orchestra – Saturday mornings
A step up in standard to grade 3+ ability, this ensemble explores full ensemble playing where lengthier repertoire is played and ensemble skills developed.
- South East Derbyshire Youth Orchestra – Saturday mornings
A youth orchestra for wind and brass players of approxiately grade5+ standard, providing a full orchestral experience from known classical repertoire to film and popular musical arrangements written by the conductor.
- Senior Winds – Saturday mornings
Accessible for more experienced players of post-grade 5 standard, the Senior Wind Band performs a wide range of repertoire from musicals to American film scores
- Street Band – Saturday mornings
A band combining modern and traditional repertoire with jazz, funk, and soul, performed with flair by advanced brass and rhythm players.
For percussion players
- Guitar Fusion – Saturday mornings
Open to all guitarists and drummers, this ensemble offers a relaxed setting to learn ensemble playing with specially arranged music.
- South East Derbyshire Junior Orchetsra – Saturday mornings
An orchestra for beginner to grade 3 standard which nurtures the early development of ensemble music-making by playing fun pieces in instrument families before joining together for the orchestral experience
- South East Derbyshire Concert Orchestra – Saturday mornings
A step up in standard to grade 3+ ability, this ensemble explores full ensemble playing where lengthier repertoire is played and ensemble skills developed.
- South East Derbyshire Youth Orchestra – Saturday mornings
A youth orchestra for wind and brass players of approxiately grade5+ standard, providing a full orchestral experience from known classical repertoire to film and popular musical arrangements written by the conductor.
- Senior Winds – Saturday mornings
Accessible for more experienced players of post-grade 5 standard, the Senior Wind Band performs a wide range of repertoire from musicals to American film scores
- Street Band – Saturday mornings
A band combining modern and traditional repertoire with jazz, funk, and soul, performed with flair by advanced brass and rhythm players.
For guitar players
- Guitar Fusion – Saturday mornings
Open to all guitarists and drummers, this ensemble offers a relaxed setting to learn ensemble playing with specially arranged music.
- South East Derbyshire Concert Orchestra – Saturday mornings
A step up in standard to grade 3+ ability, this ensemble explores full ensemble playing where lengthier repertoire is played and ensemble skills developed.
- Senior Winds – Saturday mornings
Accessible for more experienced players of post-grade 5 standard, the Senior Wind Band performs a wide range of repertoire from musicals to American film scores
- Street Band – Saturday mornings
A band combining modern and traditional repertoire with jazz, funk, and soul, performed with flair by advanced brass and rhythm players.
For singers
- Vocalise – Saturday mornings
For any young person up to the age of 14 who enjoys singing and wants to sing with others!
- Saturday Singers – Saturday mornings
For adults and young people aged 15 and over to enjoy singing together in a group. No experience or singing ‘ability’ is necessary – just come along and have a go!