University of Winchester Music Centre
The Music Centre is the university’s extra and co-curricular music department offering music making opportunities for all students, staff and the local community.
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University of Winchester Music Centre
The University of Winchester Music Centre is the university’s extra and co-curricular music department. Through 12+ ensembles, regular concerts, practice facilities, music tuition and community events, we provide music making opportunities for all current students, staff, alumni and members of the local community. Music Centre membership (including all ensemble) is free to all students and there are no auditions. Private tuition charges are set by our team of tutors
Choirs
King Alfred Singers
The King Alfred Singers is the University's founding choir which has been running since 1972. Staff led with student support, it performs throughout the year in a huge variety of venues including Winchester Cathedral, the University Chapel, local churches and more. The choir enjoys singing wide range of predominantly classical music from all periods of musical history including new works.
Members
The choir is open to all students, staff and members of the local community. You don't have to be able to read sheet music, but it does help although everything is taught during the rehearsals. This choir has the largest number of local community members of all Music Centre choirs. It is divided into sopranos, altos, tenors and basses.
Rehearsals
The choir rehearses on Monday evenings during university term time.
King Alfred Consort
We are a classical chamber choir singing a range of classical choral pieces in detail. The group is led by the MC staff team.
Members
Unlike the Music Centre's other ensembles, membership is by invitation only. Singers should be members of the King Alfred Singers. We expect members to be dedicated singers with an ability to sight read and learn quickly. The consort will comprise a different selection of singers for each event and piece.
Rehearsals
These take place on some Monday evenings after the King Alfred Singers rehearsal.
High Frequency
High frequency is our student-led vocal ensemble for all higher and upper voices. They sing a variety of close-harmony music and chose pieces that members enjoy.
Members
This group is open to anyone who would like to join who has a higher range voice.
Rehearsals
These take place on Wednesday evenings during university term time.
ShowChoir
New for 2023-24, our ShowChoir will sing music from stage, screen, pop, gospel, folk and more! Staff-led with students in leadership training, this group will be an all-access, come-and-sing choir where the joy of singing will be embodied in every song.
Members
Open to all singers of any experience from new to expert. The choir will have a strong “engine room” of those who love singing the main tune and then a range of harmony parts to suit everyone who’s like more of a challenge.
Rehearsals
These take place on Wednesday afternoons during university term time.
Instrumental ensembles
String Gems
The String Gems is a staff-led string orchestra open to string players of all abilities. It plays a huge range of music from classical to film and tv themes. Many of our members learn a string instrument through participation in this ensemble.
Members
Violins, violas, cellos, double bass and harp all welcome
Rehearsals
These take place on Tuesday evenings during university term time.
Concert Band
Our concert band is the largest of our instrumental ensembles and is open to a all instrumentalists of all abilities and truly embodies Music Centre’s ethos of inclusivity. Staff led with student support, we play a huge range of music including classical, movie and contemporary-popular music. We perform regularly on campus.
Members
All are welcome, whatever your instrument, strings, wind, brass or percussion. There are no grade requirements, beginners to grade 8 welcomed.
Rehearsals
These take place on Wednesday afternoons during university term time.
Wind Ensemble
A student led small group ensemble playing a wide variety of music, chosen by the members. This group is welcoming and yet focussed on producing fantastic music.
Members
All woodwind instruments welcomes including saxophones, clarinets, flutes and oboes. All experiences and levels welcomed.
Rehearsals
These take place on Wednesday evenings during university term time.
Jazz Band
Playing traditional and modern jazz music, this group is fantastic for all lovers of jazz music and those who want to build their experience of improvisation. Staff led, the group are a socially active group who enjoy playing together at rehearsals and performances.
Members
Open to trumpeters, clarinettists, trombonists, pianists, bassists, drummers, banjo players or guitarists. Be ready to improvise and enjoy some fantastic jazz sounds.
Rehearsals
These take place on Tuesday evenings during university term time.
Flute Ensemble
The flute ensemble meet every week to rehearse and perform some amazingly beautiful music for flute. This group is led by a local flute teacher.
Members
Membership is open to all flautists of any size instrument and any experience.
Rehearsals
These take place on Wednesday evenings during university term time.
Brass Ensemble
The Brass ensemble is a small group of dedicated brass players performing music that they like for a variety of university events. Run by students, for students, this group make an amazing sound and include brass instruments of all sizes.
Members
All are welcome.
Rehearsals
These take place on Wednesday afternoons during university term time.
UKE Group
An ensemble for all things ukulele. A mixed repertoire of contemporary and fun music and singing. Beginners welcome. Music literacy not required.
Members
Open to everyone, we even have some instruments you can use.
Rehearsals
These take place on Thursday evenings during university term time.
Folk Band
This staff-led group play a wide range of traditional British and international folk music.
Members
Open to all folk musicians including guitar, flute, accordion, bass, percussion, violin and more. No experience needed but we also would love to play any music you bring with you.
Rehearsals
These take place on Wednesday afternoons during university term time.
Music Excellence Awards
We offer two Music Excellence Awards to new students each year. These are worth £1500 over three years of study. Please see the bursaries page for full information.
Music Facilities
The Music Centre runs our Music Hub, a place where musicians can meet, rehearse and make music together. We have a range of small and medium size practice rooms, a social space, storage lockers, teaching facilities, PC with music software and some instruments to borrow. These facilities are open to all students Please do ask for our up-to-date information.
Contact us
Music Centre
University of Winchester
Winchester, SO22 4NR
Tel: +44(0) 01962 827466
Email: music.centre@winchester.ac.uk