Wednesdays during term time, 4 - 6pm (Globe Primary School)
The WMC is for primary school students in the early stages of instrumental learning. It provides an opportunity to make music with other students from across the borough. Students need to be receiving tuition on their instrument either in whole class or small groups at school, or individually at school or at home.
The Centre has a choir for all members, followed by a string ensemble and wind and brass ensemble. Each week culminates in a full orchestra.
The aim is to develop ensemble playing skills whilst developing notation, pitch, rhythm and dynamic expression but always ensuring that pupils enjoy making music together. The WMC also prepares pupils for the THAMES Saturday Music Centre.
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Saturdays during term time, 9am - 12.30pm (St.Paul’s Way Trust School)
For instrumentalists aged 7-18 who having been learning an instrument for more than a year and who are around Grade 1 standard or above, and for singers or all abilities.
Students take part in three ensembles over the course of the morning which include: orchestras, wind bands, chamber groups, contemporary bands and choirs.
The SMC aims to develop students’ musicianship and technical skills through playing with others.
The SMC works closely with cultural partners who provide further enrichment to the SMC programme. There are a number of performance opportunities throughout the year.
The first term is FREE for every student. There is a termly fee of £82 thereafter. THAMES operates a remission policy to ensure all students can access our music centres regardless of financial background. See full terms and conditions for more information.
Please note that places for students learning piano or drum kit are very limited.
Tower Hamlets Youth Orchestra
The Tower Hamlets Youth Orchestra, now in its sixth year, plays ambitious music in a variety of styles providing just the right level of challenge. Many members of this ensemble now attend music lessons at various London Conservatoires, and are taking the highest grade exams on their instrument. Some of the older members are continuing to study music at University or College.
Saturdays, fortnightly during term time, 10.30am - 1pm
(part of THAMES Saturday Music Centre, St Paul’s Way Trust School)
Soundbox is an all-ability inclusive music collective that brings together disabled and non-disabled musicians aged 11-25 to make and create music using a mix of traditional instruments, music technology and singing. We aim for sessions to be accessible, welcoming and engaging for all.
Soundbox takes place as part of the THAMES Saturday Music Centre (SMC) on five Saturday mornings per term at St Paul’s Way Trust School. It was originally set-up as a partnership with Drake Music, Spitalfields Music and London Symphony Orchestra with whom the ensemble continues to have a close relationship.
Watch recent Soundbox videos here.
Participation is FREE.
Mondays, 4.30-5.30pm
For 7-11 years olds who live or attend school in Tower Hamlets
Each session includes fun singing warm-ups, learning new songs and working towards performances.
Sessions will take place most Mondays during term time at Cayley Primary School, Ashton Street, E14 7NG.
Primary aged pupils who show real musical potential and commitment in whole classes or large groups are invited to receive additional individual or small group ‘award’ lessons on their instrument. These lessons are fully funded by THAMES. The students are also invited to play in the Awards Orchestra, which meets for three days over the course of the year to rehearse for special performances. This is a training orchestra and many of the award students from previous years are now playing in the Tower Hamlets Youth Orchestra.
Barbican
Community Music
East London Community Band
Grand Union Orchestra
Ruff Sqwad Arts Foundation
Spotlight
Urban Development
Wired for Music
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