Author Archives: Robin Cannon

Primary Music Festivals return in 2023!

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The Primary Music Festivals are a highly regarded event in the school calendar with close to 100 schools taking part each year in celebration of children’s singing and music making!

Primary Music Festivals Page

The Festival concerts have been running for over 25 years and produce magical evenings for primary school children to come together and sing as one large choir in front of packed audiences in Surrey venues such as Dorking Halls.

Link to full Primary Music Festivals 2022 gallery

Following the success of 2022’s wonderful programme of music including “My Planet, Your Planet”, by composer Teresa Jennings, the 2023 concerts will feature another new piece by Teresa Jennings entitled “Positive” about how we can all make positive contributions to our own lives and the lives of others around us with positive, thoughtful, and kind words and actions. 

Applications open soon and scores will be made available from mid-November. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t delay — join us at one of our 9 events for schools in the following areas:

Monday 24th AprilMole Valley Dorking HallsFULLY BOOKED
Wednesday 26th AprilWoking & North Surrey Dorking HallsFULLY BOOKED
Thursday 11th MaySouth East Surrey Dorking HallsAVAILABLE
Monday 15th MayEast Surrey Dorking HallsFULLY BOOKED
Tuesday 16th MayElmbridge Dorking HallsFULLY BOOKED
Thursday 25th MayWest Surrey  Princes HallFULLY BOOKED
Wednesday 14th JuneMid-Surrey Dorking HallsFULLY BOOKED
Thursday 15th JuneEpsom & Ewell Dorking HallsFULLY BOOKED
Tuesday 20th JuneSurrey Borders Dorking HallsAVAILABLE

If your school would like to be part of a Primary Music Festival concert email: paula.camp@surreycc.gov.uk or rebecca.jones@surreycc.gov.uk

Easter Activities 2022

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Surrey Arts Easter Activities Return in 2022 

The Surrey Arts Easter activities programme returns in April after a couple of years break due to the Coronavirus pandemic. This year sees a significant change to the programme. For the first time the programme is split over two areas of the county, East Surrey (Redhill) and West Surrey (Woking). This exciting programme gives young people the chance to experience a variety of different activities including playing in an orchestra for the first time, trying a string instrument, producing their own music and DJing, being part of a rock band, learning dance routines and being creative in an art class. 

Register at SurreyArts.com

Programme coordinator Yvette Madden says ‘The Coronavirus made it difficult to run the residential programme which has been held for over 40 years. However, we have developed a diverse and exciting programme that will be accessible across more of the county giving young people more opportunities to participate in music, dance and art.’ 

The range of activities for 6 to 16 year olds will run on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 April at St. Bede’s School in Redhill and Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 April at Westfield School in Woking. 

Activities include: 

Discover Strings suitable for 6 – 11 year olds (Redhill only) – no experience needed 

Orchestra in a day for grades 1 – 4 and 4 – 8  or equivalent standard  

Music production and DJing suitable for 8 – 16 year olds – no experience needed 

The Band Experience suitable for 8 – 14 year olds – no experience needed 

Creative dance suitable for 8 – 15 year olds – no experience needed 

Art class suitable for 6 – 10 year olds – no experience needed 

Learn more and register at surrearts.com

Open Ensemble Rehearsals

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Why join an ensemble?

There’s a great deal more to playing an instrument than just reading music and practising on your own! Surrey Arts provides over 40 different choirs, bands, orchestras and groups across the county for all ages and abilities.

Boost development
Techniques and skills learnt in lessons are reinforced during group rehearsals

Have fun and make new friends
Form long lasting friendships with like-minded musicians

Music as an educational building block
Children involved in music tend to do better in other subjects

Music is for everyone
We have groups and ensembles for all ages and abilities!

How to apply?

For further information or to apply for an ensemble or group contact: surreyartsmusic@surreycc.gov.uk

Learn more at: surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/arts/music/ensembles

Advanced Ensembles

  • Surrey County Youth Orchestra – Friday 15 Oct 6.45-9pm at Westfield School, Woking. Grade 6+ (Percussion, Woodwind, Brass & Strings)
  • Surrey County Youth Wind Orchestra – Friday 15 Oct 6.45-9pm at George Abbot School, Guildford. Grade 6+ (Percussion, Woodwind & Brass)
  • Surrey County Percussion Ensemble – Saturday 16 Oct 9-11am at Westfield School, Woking. Grade 6+ (Percussion)
  • Surrey Advanced Brass Ensemble – Sunday 17 Oct 2-5pm at Westfield School, Woking. Grade 6+ (Percussion & Brass)
  • Surrey Youth Choir Wednesday 20 Oct 6.45-9pm at The Marist Catholic Primary School, West Byfleet. Grade 5+ (Singing)

North Area Ensembles

  • North Surrey Senior Guitar Ensemble – Friday 15 Oct 6-7.30pm at Magna Carta School, Staines. Grade 3+ (Guitar)
  • North Surrey Junior Guitar Ensemble – Saturday 16 Oct 9.20-10.50am at Magna Carta School, Staines. Beginner – Grade 3 (Guitar)
  • North Surrey Junior Wind Band – Saturday 16 Oct 9-11am at Magna Carta School, Staines. Grade 2-5 (Percussion, Woodwind & Brass)
  • North Surrey Senior Wind Band – Saturday 16 Oct 9-11am at Magna Carta School, Staines. Grade 4+ (Percussion, Woodwind & Brass)
  • North Surrey Junior String Orchestra – Saturday 16 Oct 9-11am at Magna Carta School, Staines. Grade 1-4 (Strings)
  • North Surrey Senior String Orchestra – Saturday 16 Oct 9-11am at Magna Carta School, Staines. Grade 4+ (Strings)

South-East Area Ensembles

  • Mid Surrey Wind Band – Tuesday 19 Oct 4-5.30pm at Ashcombe School, Dorking (Percussion, Woodwind & Brass)
  • Mid Surrey Training Wind Band – Thursday 21 Oct 4.15-5.15pm at Ashcombe School, Dorking (Woodwind & Brass)
  • Reigate String Orchestra – Preludes – Thursday 4 Nov 4.30-5.20pm at St Bede’s School, Redhill. Beginner-Grade 1 (Strings)
  • Reigate String Orchestra – Juniors – Thursday 4 Nov 5-6pm at St Bede’s School, Redhill. Grade 1-3 (Strings)
  • Reigate String Orchestra – Intermediates – Thursday 4 Nov 6-7.15pm at St Bede’s School. Grade 3-5 (Strings)
  • Reigate String Orchestra – Seniors – Thursday 4 Nov 6-7.15pm at St Bede’s School. Grade 5-8 (Strings)
  • SESAW (South East Area Winds) – Thursday 21 Oct 6-8pm at St Bede’s, Redhill. Grade 3+ (Percussion, Woodwind & Brass)
  • Blast Off – Thursday 21 Oct 4.45-6pm at St Bede’s, Redhill. Beginner-Grade 3 (Woodwind & Brass)

South-West Area Ensembles

  • South West Surrey Junior Concert Band – Saturday 16 Oct 9-10.15am at Queen Eleanor’s School, Guildford. Grade 1-4 (Percussion, Woodwind & Brass)
  • South West Surrey Senior Concert Band – Saturday 16 Oct 10.30am-12.15pm at Queen Eleanor’s School, Guildford. Grade 5-8 (Percussion, Woodwind & Brass)
  • Prima Strings – Wednesday 20 Oct 5.15-6.30pm at Tillingbourne School, Chilworth (Guildford). Beginner-Grade 2 (Strings)
  • Opus Strings – Wednesday 20 Oct 5.15-6.30pm at Tillingbourne School, Chilworth (Guildford). Grade 2-4 (Strings)
  • South West Winds – Wednesday 3 Nov 5.15-6.30pm at Tillingbourne School, Chilworth (Guildford). Beginner-Grade 4 (Percussion, Woodwind & Brass)
  • South West Surrey Youth Orchestra – Wednesday 3 Nov 6.45-8.45pm at Tillingbourne School, Chilworth (Guildford). Grade 5+ (Percussion, Woodwind, Brass & Strings)

West Area Ensembles

  • West Surrey Wind Band – Thursday 11 November 5.15-7.15pm Westfield School, Woking. Grade 5+ (Percussion, Woodwind & Brass)
  • West Surrey Training Wind Band – Thursday 11 November 5-7pm Westfield School, Woking. Grade 2-5 (Percussion, Woodwind & Brass)
  • Surrey Percussion & Rhythm Crew (SPARC) – Saturday 16 Oct 11.30am-1pm at Westfield School, Woking. Beginner – Grade 5 (Percussion)
  • Camberley Youth Wind Orchestra – Junior – Saturday 16 Oct 11am-12.45pm at Cordwalles School, Camberley. Beginner-Grade 2 (Percussion, Woodwind & Strings)
  • Camberley Youth Wind Orchestra – Intermediate – Saturday 16 Oct 11am-12.45pm at Cordwalles School, Camberley. Grade 2-5 (Percussion, Woodwind & Strings)
  • Camberley Youth Wind Orchestra – Senior – Saturday 16 Oct 9-10.45am at Cordwalles School, Camberley. Grade 5+ (Percussion, Woodwind & Strings)
  • Woking Wind – Adults – Monday 18 Oct 8-10pm at Westfield School, Woking. Grade 6+ (Percussion & Woodwind)
  • Brass Routes – Tuesday 19 Oct 6-7pm at Westfield School, Woking. Beginner-Grade 2 (Brass)
  • Surrey Youth Training Choir – Wednesday 20 Oct 6.45-8.15pm at The Marist Catholic Primary School, West Byfleet. Ages 9-13 – no experience necessary (Singing)
  • Guildford Sinfonia – Adults – Thursday 21 Oct 7.45-9.30pm at Westfield School, Woking. All abilities welcome (Percussion, Woodwind, Brass & Strings)

The Snowman is coming to Cobham!

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The Menuhin School is thrilled to present the classic Christmas film ‘The Snowman’ accompanied live by the world-class young musicians of The Yehudi Menuhin School in Cobham.

OPEN AUDITIONS!

The Menuhin School are on the hunt for two vocalists to perform the much-loved song ‘Walking in the Air’ for our two performances on 5 December.

Learn more and apply at:

The Snowman at The Menuhin School

Applications close on 30 September at noon.

Get Playing

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Music is great fun, but did you know it can also improve brain function, support wellbeing, and broaden horizons?

At Surrey Arts, there are plenty of ways for children and young people to #GetPlaying, from taking up instrumental lessons, joining one of our ensembles, making new friends, or even hiring one of our instruments. Discover how to #GetPlaying with us at:

Music Lessons For Children

Instrumental Music Teachers

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Surrey Arts are currently looking for teachers with skills and availability to teach the following: 

  • Piano: 1-2 days (Mid-SE Surrey) daytime and after school teaching as well as Saturday morning. Mostly 1:1 with some small group teaching 
  • Voice: 1-2 days (Mid-SE Surrey) 1 to 1 and small group/choir teaching
  • Classical and Contemporary Guitar: 1-2 days (West and Mid Surrey) daytime and after school teaching as well as Saturday morning. 1:1 and small group teaching
Learn More

SMASH Activities 2021

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This summer we are partnering with Active Surrey as part of Surreys Club4 programme by providing three weeks of music, dance and food holiday activities for children across Surrey. Each day there will be music and dance activities led by professional teachers and performers and participants will be provided with a hot meal and snacks as part of the course and explore how we can eat more healthily!

Participants aged 8 to 18 years old can register for single days or a whole four-day course and the activities will focus on:

Dance: Street / Jazz / World: Keep active and healthy, dancing to amazing music and performing.

Music: Rock Bands, World Percussion, Your Voice: Each day take part in music workshops exploring and performing in different styles. Play as part of a rock band, sing in the Your Voice choir and perform drumming from West Africa and South America.

Grand finale: Every Thursday at the end of the four-day programme there will be a performance open to friends and family. Participants will perform the music they have learnt and created during the course of the week.

Dates and venues

St Bedes School, Redhill: Monday 26 to Thursday 29 July

Cordwalles Junior School, Camberley: Monday 2 to Thursday 5 August

Three Rivers Academy, Walton-on-Thames: Monday 9 to Thursday 12 August

Times: 10am to 2.30pm

Cost: £45 per day or £135 for 4 days in one week

Free places are available for eligible free school meal children.

Find out about eligibility criteria for low income support,

To register please complete the registration form

Autumn Half Term Online Tutorials

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After a great programme of SMASH (Surrey Music & Arts Summer Holiday) activities we are following up this October half term by sharing some of our online video content. There will be films of workshops and tutorials across many different instruments including guitar, piano, brass and percussion. In addition there will also be some videos of music from Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. The following is a timetable of when the films will be released on our social media platforms Facebook and Instagram and they will also be available on the Surrey Arts YouTube channel.

Surrey Arts Impact Report 2019 – 2020

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2019 to 2020 was a vibrant year as Surrey Arts continued to provide engaging, creative and inspiring cultural services across the county for our residents. Services delivered through Surrey Arts include Music activities, Surrey Arts Wardrobe Hire, Visual Arts events and Instrument Hire.  

Many new and exciting projects have evolved this year and Surrey Arts ongoing annual events have continued to grow in numbers. Some of the highlights this year include:

  • Our I Speak Music group has grown, both locally and internationally, achieving more ambitious and inspiring projects. One of the highlights at the beginning of the year was their superb festive single entitled “Whatever You Believe”. This was sung, performed and recorded by a mix of refugees, young people from the ACM and local community members, a collaboration of more than 80 people.
  • The Horley Project, established in 2018 to increase instrumental learning in schools in the area, entered into its second year, with many new members joining the project, further expanding the newly formed Horley Orchestra.
  • Just So Singers celebrated their 25th Anniversary in June 2019
  • UP! Orchestra received a boost from external funding as well as welcoming many new-comers to the Saturday Music Zone to meet, share and play music together.
  • A number of successful events and workshops, both old and new, reached sell out numbers including Piano Exam Performance; Summer Singing; Drum Line! Brass Masterclass; Orchestra Taster Day and DJ Music Production Workshops, as well as many more. 
  • The Primary Schools Music Festivals held events at venues across Surrey with over 2500 children participating.
  • Surrey Artists’ Open Studios 2019 was exceptional this year with over 297 artists participating, selling a combined worth of over £304k in artwork.

To learn more about the successes from the past year, please read the full Surrey Arts 2019-2020 Impact Report here.