Services For Education Central Ensemble Open Rehearsals 3rd –8th June 2024
Young musicians from across Birmingham are invited to join one (or more) of our FREE Open Rehearsals
What are Central Ensembles?
Central ensembles are designed for intermediate (approximately Grade 2 standard upwards) through to advanced performers. Ensembles rehearse weekly during term time with members benefiting from specialist ensemble tuition supported by skilled professional tutors and conductors, developing their confidence and musical abilities.
Who can attend?
Services For Education (Birmingham Schools’) Central Ensembles are open to young musicians in full time education who attend a Birmingham School or live within the city of Birmingham.
What are Open Rehearsals?
Open rehearsals offer a chance to meet current ensemble members, conductors, and tutors from across our ensembles system as well as join in with the rehearsal. They take place on the normal day and time of weekly rehearsals.
What happens at an Open Rehearsal?
Young musicians will be supported by our SFE conductors and tutors to take part in the rehearsal playing the same music as existing members. In some cases, music will be available before the open rehearsal day. Where this is the case, we will let you know how to access the music and what to prepare.
Why join a Central Ensemble?
Our ensemble members are nurtured and supported by skilled professional tutors and conductors, developing their confidence and musical abilities. Members will take part in memorable performances on the stages of Birmingham’s most prestigious venues, celebrating their musical achievements to packed audiences. These groups also regularly represent Services For Education on the Regional and National Stage. All our ensembles serve as an extension to weekly instrumental/vocal lessons and school music making. By joining one of our groups your young musician will be representing their school at city level.
Register to attend an Open Rehearsal:
Please HERE to watch this video for a step-by-step guide.
- Login to or register for an account
If you are new to the portal, click ‘add child’ (this can be multiple times on each account)
Once you have registered/If you already have an existing account, click ‘view’ next to your child’s name.
Click ‘Join A Central Ensemble’
Complete the information and select the ‘New member audition’ option.
Registration is open until Thursday 23rd May 2024. You will receive a confirmation email on Friday 24th May with full details of the open rehearsals available to your young musician. Please note that the session(s) your young musician is offered will be based on the information you provide us with so please complete instrument grade question as accurately as possible (if no grades have been taken, please indicate and approximate grade).
If you have any questions, please email ensembles@servicesforeducation.co.uk
Audition Timeline
The ensembles portal is now open now for registration for 2024-25 membership and will close on 23rd May.
Workshop auditions for all new members will take place as follows in the week of 3rd June 2024.
Monday 3rd June for Dhol, Tabla, Sitar and Steel Pan players
Tuesday 4th June for Percussion Ensembles
Thursday 6th June for Brass Bands and Guitar Ensembles
Saturday 8th June for Wind Bands and String Orchestras
You will be contacted on 24th May with full details of the open rehearsals available to your young musician. Please note that the session(s) your young musician is offered will be based on the information you provide us with so please complete instrument grade question as accurately as possible (if no grades have been taken, please indicate and approximate grade).
We will contact parents/carers on Friday 14th June to confirm ensemble offers for 2024-25.
If you have any questions, please email ensembles@servicesforeducation.co.uk