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Music Groups, Ensembles & Workshops

Music Groups, Ensembles & Workshops

Read on to find all the information you need to enrol your child in one of our County Music Ensembles

Why Join a Music Ensemble?

Being part of a music ensemble offers children so much more than learning to play an instrument. It nurtures confidence, encourages teamwork, sparks creativity, and above all—it's fun! With a wide variety of groups to choose from, there's something for every young musician, whatever their experience level.

Playing together helps children develop their musical skills more quickly, stay motivated, and experience the joy of making music as a team. It's a truly rewarding journey that supports not only their musical growth but their personal development too.

What is an ensemble?

The word 'ensemble' is the French word meaning 'together'. Our ensembles are where our pupils from all over the County come together to play & sing wonderful music with their peers in one of our fantastic groups detailed below.

Join the music!

Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 academic year. Explore our exciting range of ensembles below, there’s something for everyone!
•    The application form for all our ensembles can be found by clicking here.
•    For all enquiries, contact us at: ensembles@northumberland.gov.uk

The Northumbrian Ranters

Our Advanced-Level Traditional Music Ensemble

Does your child play fiddle, flute, Northumbrian pipes, cello, harp, accordion, percussion, concertina, guitar, or keyboard to a higher level grade? Then this might be the ensemble for them!

The Ranters brings together talented young musicians from across Northumberland to celebrate and promote our region’s rich traditional music heritage. It’s more than just an ensemble—it’s a unique opportunity for your child to grow musically, socially, and personally. 

Joining the Ranters is a commitment, but it’s also a hugely rewarding experience. Throughout the year, members take part in high-profile performances, as well as various workshops, ceilidhs and rehearsals. It is a chance to build confidence, work as part of a team, and be part of something truly special.

  • Entry requirement: Fiddle - grade 3 or equivalent. Flute - grade 5 or equivalent. (for all other instruments please email contact below)
  • Location of rehearsals will be Morpeth based. Rehearsals to be Thursday evenings, dates to be confirmed. There will be 8 evening rehearsals, as well as 2 full-day weekend rehearsals.
  • Cost: £65 for the year

Click here to watch The Northumbrian Ranters and Alistair Anderson performing in Berwick Upon Tweed.

NYE (Northumberland Youth Ensemble)

A Friendly Intermediate-Level Ensemble for Young Musicians

Does your child play strings, brass, woodwind, or percussion to Grade 2 or higher? Are they ready to grow in confidence, build upon musical skills, and enjoy making music with others in a supportive and welcoming environment? Then NYE is the ensemble to join! 

Explore exciting and varied musical styles throughout all our rehearsals, while also having the opportunity to perform at a number of concerts, occasionally sharing the stage with other ensembles such as Bedlington Brass Band. Along the way, they’ll form friendships, gain valuable performance experience, and celebrate their progress and passion for music.

  • Entry requirement: The equivalent to Grade 2 or higher on any of the instruments listed above
  • Location of rehearsals will be Morpeth based. Rehearsals to be Thursday evenings, dates to be confirmed. There will be 4 rehearsals in total and 1 concert.
  • Cost: £35 for the year

Stepping Stones

A Supportive First Step into Ensemble Playing – Open to All Instruments

If your child has been learning an instrument for around a year, then Stepping Stones is the ideal way to start playing music with others. This beginner-friendly group helps children grow in confidence, develop essential ensemble skills, and enjoy the experience of making music as a team.

With fun, accessible music tailored for early learners, Stepping Stones lays a strong foundation for future musical adventures. Children don’t need to be confident sight-readers - just a passion for music and a willingness to learn and play with others.

  • Entry requirement: 1 year of learning to play any instrument
  • Location of rehearsals will be Morpeth based. Rehearsals to be Thursday evenings, dates to be confirmed. There will be 4 rehearsals in total and 1 concert.
  • Cost: £35 for the year

The Hoolies Youth Choir

A Fun, Inclusive Choir for Young Singers Across Northumberland

Whether your child is new to singing or already experienced, this friendly and inclusive group offers something for everyone. As they progress, more advanced singers will even have the opportunity to take on vocal leadership roles—shaping the future of the choir while inspiring their peers.

Hoolies is designed to build on the great work happening in school choirs and vocal projects—and to take it a step further. Open to all singers aged 7–18, children will explore exciting vocal music from around the world, gain confidence, and make friends through singing together.

  • Entry requirement: Open to all children aged 7 to 18 years. No experience necessary, just a love for singing
  • Location of rehearsals will be Morpeth based. Rehearsals to be Thursday evenings, dates to be confirmed. There will be 4 rehearsals in total and 1 concert.
  • Cost: £35 for the year

The Drum Circle

Feel the Beat! A Fun Drumming Group for All Abilities

Our energetic percussion ensemble is open to children of all abilities—whether they’re brand new to drumming or already taking lessons. It’s a fantastic way for young musicians to explore rhythm and pulse in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Each session is packed with exciting music from around the world, including African beats, Latin rhythms, and modern street percussion. Along the way, children will build confidence, improve coordination, and experience the joy of creating music as a group.

  • Entry requirement: Open to all children aged 7 to 18 years. No experience necessary.
  • Location of rehearsals will be Morpeth based. Rehearsals to be Thursday evenings, dates to be confirmed. There will be 4 rehearsals in total and 1 concert.
  • Cost: £35 for the year

The Frets Guitar Group

Strum, Jam, Perform – A Group for Young Guitarists!

The Frets is our lively, guitar-based ensemble, perfect for players of any style—acoustic or electric where young musicians come together to jam, create, and perform! Open to all children who’ve been learning guitar for around a year or more. 

Your child will build confidence, develop ensemble skills, and experience the fun of bringing iconic songs to life in a friendly group setting. It’s a brilliant way to take their playing to the next level while making new friends and enjoying the thrill of live music.

  • Entry requirement: 1 year of learning to play acoustic/electric guitar
  • Location of rehearsals will be Morpeth based. Rehearsals to be Thursday evenings, dates to be confirmed. There will be 4 rehearsals in total and 1 concert.
  • Cost: £35 for the year

Bedlington Community and Youth Brass Band

Brass Banding for All Ages and Abilities

Do you—or your child—play cornet, flugelhorn, tenor horn, baritone, euphonium, trombone, or tuba? Whether you're picking up a brass instrument for the first time, returning after a break, or looking to play with others in a friendly setting, this group is for you!

Delivered in partnership with Music Partnership North and Bedlington Community Trust Brass Band, this ensemble welcomes children, young people, and adults of all abilities. It’s a relaxed, supportive environment where beginners can grow in confidence and more experienced players can enjoy making music without the pressure of competition.

The band offers a blend of training and performance, with peer-to-peer support and regular appearances at local events in Northumberland. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to play alongside adults, and for adults to rediscover the joy of brass banding.

  • Entry requirement: Open to adults and children, no experience necessary
  • Rehearsals take place at Bedlington Community Centre on Tuesday evenings 19:30 to 20:30
  • Please contact the band directly to confirm session dates & fees:

Email: bedlingtonbrass@yahoo.co.uk

Find them on Facebook: @BedlingtonBrass

How to join

Once your combine application and parental consent form have been received, we will contact you with further information.

Ensemble Policies

Find us on social media at the following links:

Facebook: @MPN.Northumberland Instagram: @MPN.Northumberland Twitter: @MPN_Nland

The management of respiratory viruses continues to be managed at all rehearsals. Please do not let your child attend a rehearsal if they are clearly unwell or showing symptoms of a cough, cold, flu or covid. This is to help protect both staff and students who are at the rehearsal​.

Students may be photographed, recorded and shown on social media so please take this into account when making your decision to be involved in the ensembles. If you would like to discuss any of these policies in more detail, email ensembles@northumberland.gov.uk or contact our Educational Visits Co-ordinator at  melissa.james@northumberland.gov.uk

Last updated on 06/06/2025 14:40