A fun, intensive workshop for players of orchestral instruments of Grade 6 level upwards, with good music reading skills. Please click the 'Start interview' button, follow the login instructions, and the Music Department will contact you.
Before booking on this course, we'll need you to log in or register with us if you're new. Please then contact us for a chat with our team to check that this course is the right level for you. Why do I need an advice session
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You will learn to play orchestral music from the standard repertoire in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, with a conductor and professional leader (principal violin). We will focus on following phrasing, listening, and playing effectively together as an ensemble. The group will split for sectionals for winds and strings to work separately some of the time. To check availability of places for your instrument and gain authorisation to enrol, email music office Please note that you may be required to play 1st or 2nd and we will advise you on this after you have enrolled.
Repertoire for April 2026
Haydn - Symphony No. 103 in E Flat Major
Marianna Martines - Symphony in C Major
Antonio Salieri - Falstaff Overture
Delia Derbyshire and Rob Grainer- Dr Who Theme
What will we cover?
- how to follow a conductor's beat - how to play core orchestral repertoire stylishly and accurately - how to blend your instruments together to make a pleasing orchestral sound - awareness of balance and intonation
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Follow a conductor - feel more confident in playing your own part - feel more confident playing in the ensemble - be familiar with some core repertoire - understand orchestral texture.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You should be at least grade 6 standard on your instrument, reading music confidently and accurately. Technical proficiency is essential as the tutors will not focus on instrumental technique in the course. As this is an intensive workshop, you will need to learn your instrumental part in advance (unless you are a very good sight-reader!).
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn in one large group, taught by the conductor, for most of the course. There may be separate short sectional rehearsals for strings and winds, but there are no instrument-specific tutorials. You should prepare your own part in advance, as this is an intensive workshop, and the music is not suitable for sight-reading on the day. The last part of the course will be an informal performance of all pieces.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your instrument, a hard copy of your instrumental part, and a pencil and eraser to mark up your part during rehearsal. Parts will be available in advance from your Google Classroom. If you have no access to a printer, contact the Music department to request music to be posted. Cello & double bass City Lit has 4 cellos and 1 double bass. Please ask in advance if you wish to use one of these instruments during the course, to ensure availability. Large instruments may be stored at City Lit overnight, at your own risk.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Related courses throughout the year include String school (Winter / Easter / Summer), String ensemble, Chamber music: intermediate, Chamber music: advanced, City Lit wind ensemble. See Ensembles for details. You may also be interested in Music history courses, which range from the general introduction Exploring Classical Music through to specialist courses on all eras and genres of western music.
George is a freelance clarinet and bass clarinet player and teacher. Having graduated with Distinction from the Royal Academy of Music (MA, 2010), George regularly plays in Brandenburg Sinfonia in London with players from the top London orchestras. He is a member of Kidenza Orchestra, performing classical orchestral music to thousands of young audience members every year. George has given many premieres, including pieces for the LSO's Soundhub scheme and in various national festivals. He has recorded widely, including at Abbey Road Studios. George has released two albums with his group iyatraQuartet, to critical acclaim. They were awarded the Kennedy Award 2019 by violinist Nigel Kennedy. George has led music workshops for Music for Autism, Aldeburgh Participate! and Bristol Pre-Conservatoire, and performed several operas for Royal Opera House Education and Outreach. He also conducts Surbiton Royal British Legion Marching Band and Palace Band in Alexandra Palace and at Benslow Music.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/orchestra-workshop136854Orchestra workshophttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/o/r/orchestra-workshop-1024.jpg139139GBPInStock/Courses/Top rated courses/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Ensembles/Courses/vm/Summer offers/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in performing arts166222851314135113571361413457135661228513141351165313457A fun, intensive workshop for players of orchestral instruments of Grade 6 level upwards, with good music reading skills. Please click the 'Start interview' button, follow the login instructions, and the Music Department will contact you. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">You will learn to play orchestral music from the standard repertoire in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. We will focus on following phrasing and playing effectively together as an ensemble. Please note that you may be required to play 1st or 2nd, and we will advise you on this after you have enrolled. Sheet music will be posted to you by the Music department once you have enrolled.<br />
Tutors: Peter Crockford (conductor), Robert Puzey (leader).<br />
Repertoire - A night at the Ballet: Faure - Masques et Bergamasques Suite Op. 112 (1919), Rameau - Ballet Suite (arr. Mottl) and Luigini - Ballet Egyptien Op. 12 mvts 6 and 8.</div>2653004138Orchestra workshop139139https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/o/r/orchestra-workshop-1024_42.jpgInStockDaytimeTue-WedKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-04-14T00:00:00+00:00AdvancedApr 2026Performing artsME827C139139Orchestra workshop11197139George Sleightholmeorchestra-workshop/me827c-2526A fun, intensive workshop for players of orchestral instruments of Grade 6 level upwards, with good music reading skills. Please click the 'Start interview' button, follow the login instructions, and the Music Department will contact you.0000-Available|2026-04-14 00:00:00<p>You will learn to play orchestral music from the standard repertoire in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, with a conductor and professional leader (principal violin). We will focus on following phrasing, listening, and playing effectively together as an ensemble. The group will split for sectionals for winds and strings to work separately some of the time.<br/>To check availability of places for your instrument and gain authorisation to enrol, email <a href="mailto:music@citylit.ac.uk?Subject=Orchestra" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">music office</a> Please note that you may be required to play 1st or 2nd and we will advise you on this after you have enrolled.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Repertoire for April 2026</strong></p><p>Haydn - <strong>Symphony No. 103 in E Flat Major</strong></p><p>Marianna Martines - <strong>Symphony in C Major </strong></p><p>Antonio Salieri - <strong>Falstaff Overture </strong></p><p>Delia Derbyshire and Rob Grainer- <strong>Dr Who Theme</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>A fun, intensive workshop for players of orchestral instruments of Grade 6 level upwards, with good music reading skills. Please click the 'Start interview' button, follow the login instructions, and the Music Department will contact you.<p>- how to follow a conductor's beat<br/>- how to play core orchestral repertoire stylishly and accurately<br/>- how to blend your instruments together to make a pleasing orchestral sound<br/>- awareness of balance and intonation</p><p> </p><p> </p>- Follow a conductor<br/>- feel more confident in playing your own part<br/>- feel more confident playing in the ensemble<br/>- be familiar with some core repertoire<br/>- understand orchestral texture.You should be at least grade 6 standard on your instrument, reading music confidently and accurately. Technical proficiency is essential as the tutors will not focus on instrumental technique in the course.<br/>As this is an intensive workshop, you will need to learn your instrumental part in advance (unless you are a very good sight-reader!).You will learn in one large group, taught by the conductor, for most of the course. There may be separate short sectional rehearsals for strings and winds, but there are no instrument-specific tutorials. You should prepare your own part in advance, as this is an intensive workshop, and the music is not suitable for sight-reading on the day.<br/>The last part of the course will be an informal performance of all pieces.Please bring your instrument, a hard copy of your instrumental part, and a pencil and eraser to mark up your part during rehearsal. Parts will be available in advance from your Google Classroom. If you have no access to a printer, contact the Music department to request music to be posted.<br/><b>Cello & double bass</b> City Lit has 4 cellos and 1 double bass. Please ask in advance if you wish to use one of these instruments during the course, to ensure availability. Large instruments may be stored at City Lit overnight, at your own risk.Related courses throughout the year include String school (Winter / Easter / Summer), String ensemble, Chamber music: intermediate, Chamber music: advanced, City Lit wind ensemble. See <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/ensemblestarget=_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ensembles</a> for details.<br/>You may also be interested in <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-historytarget=_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music history</a> courses, which range from the general introduction Exploring Classical Music through to specialist courses on all eras and genres of western music.MusicEnsemblesvirtual11113997ME827CINTTue-Wed14/04/26 - 15/04/2611:00 - 17:0011:0017:002 sessions21 to 4 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetGeorge SleightholmeAdvancedAvailable courses2026-04-14T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeApr 2026Performing arts139139Orchestra workshoporchestra-workshop/me827c-2526A fun, intensive workshop for players of orchestral instruments of Grade 6 level upwards, with good music reading skills. Please click the 'Start interview' button, follow the login instructions, and the Music Department will contact you.0000-Available|2026-04-14 00:00:00<p>You will learn to play orchestral music from the standard repertoire in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, with a conductor and professional leader (principal violin). We will focus on following phrasing, listening, and playing effectively together as an ensemble. The group will split for sectionals for winds and strings to work separately some of the time.<br/>To check availability of places for your instrument and gain authorisation to enrol, email <a href="mailto:music@citylit.ac.uk?Subject=Orchestra" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">music office</a> Please note that you may be required to play 1st or 2nd and we will advise you on this after you have enrolled.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Repertoire for April 2026</strong></p><p>Haydn - <strong>Symphony No. 103 in E Flat Major</strong></p><p>Marianna Martines - <strong>Symphony in C Major </strong></p><p>Antonio Salieri - <strong>Falstaff Overture </strong></p><p>Delia Derbyshire and Rob Grainer- <strong>Dr Who Theme</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>A fun, intensive workshop for players of orchestral instruments of Grade 6 level upwards, with good music reading skills. Please click the 'Start interview' button, follow the login instructions, and the Music Department will contact you.<p>- how to follow a conductor's beat<br/>- how to play core orchestral repertoire stylishly and accurately<br/>- how to blend your instruments together to make a pleasing orchestral sound<br/>- awareness of balance and intonation</p><p> </p><p> </p>- Follow a conductor<br/>- feel more confident in playing your own part<br/>- feel more confident playing in the ensemble<br/>- be familiar with some core repertoire<br/>- understand orchestral texture.You should be at least grade 6 standard on your instrument, reading music confidently and accurately. Technical proficiency is essential as the tutors will not focus on instrumental technique in the course.<br/>As this is an intensive workshop, you will need to learn your instrumental part in advance (unless you are a very good sight-reader!).You will learn in one large group, taught by the conductor, for most of the course. There may be separate short sectional rehearsals for strings and winds, but there are no instrument-specific tutorials. You should prepare your own part in advance, as this is an intensive workshop, and the music is not suitable for sight-reading on the day.<br/>The last part of the course will be an informal performance of all pieces.Please bring your instrument, a hard copy of your instrumental part, and a pencil and eraser to mark up your part during rehearsal. Parts will be available in advance from your Google Classroom. If you have no access to a printer, contact the Music department to request music to be posted.<br/><b>Cello &amp; double bass</b> City Lit has 4 cellos and 1 double bass. Please ask in advance if you wish to use one of these instruments during the course, to ensure availability. Large instruments may be stored at City Lit overnight, at your own risk.Related courses throughout the year include String school (Winter / Easter / Summer), String ensemble, Chamber music: intermediate, Chamber music: advanced, City Lit wind ensemble. See <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/ensemblestarget=_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ensembles</a> for details.<br/>You may also be interested in <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-historytarget=_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music history</a> courses, which range from the general introduction Exploring Classical Music through to specialist courses on all eras and genres of western music.MusicEnsemblesconfigurable
