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We provide an opportunity for young people who have learnt to play an instrument to enjoy making music together. We encourage young musicians to enjoy their instruments and improve their musical and social skills by playing together.
North Devon Music Centre meets weekly for rehearsals. Orchestras, bands and ensembles are led by experienced musicians and there are opportunities to play in public concerts and attend residential courses. There are ensembles for players of all standards and all ages, covering a wide range of orchestral instruments.
Many young people learn to play a musical instrument with teachers in school or at home.
The young musicians learn to understand and appreciate music, to play their instruments,
and give solo performances. A high standard is often attained.
These are important achievements but there is a further element to music-making: playing
together. Musicians work together to create music which is exciting, complex and satisfying.
A range of new skills are required: part-playing, ensemble, co-operation and listening to others.
It is not always possible to provide this experience in school so the Music Centre is an
important part of a young musician's education.
Here are some pictures taken at one of our recent concerts.
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How can I join?
Any young person who lives in North Devon and is learning a suitable instrument
can join the music centre. All young musicians who have attained a reasonable standard
benefit from - and enjoy! - making music with others. A small fee is payable each term. For
more details see join us!
We always need parents and friends to help run and support the music centre. Please
contact us if you can spare even a little of your time to help.
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What we do
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North Devon Music Centre meets weekly after school on Wednesdays during term time - see information for details.
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Each student joins and rehearses with up to two groups suited to their instrument and
skill. The music centres includes a wide range of orchestras, bands and
ensembles covering all types of music and a wide
range of skills. Each group is led by an experienced director.
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Concerts are held each term in venues such as the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe and Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple. All students are able to take part in public performances of the works they have rehearsed with their ensembles.
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Residentials are held on a regular basis together with the Torbay and South Devon Music Centre, usually in Bideford. The clarinet choirs, together known as The Peninsula Clarinet Choir, have two residentials each year, including performances at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The string groups have a residential course at least once each year to study a particular piece of music.
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Music Centre groups take an active part in the North Devon Performing Arts Festival.
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Some groups occasionally take part in other concerts or events such as fêtes and
busking at Christmas.
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Friends of North Devon Youth Music
North Devon Music Centre is supported by the Friends of North Devon Youth Music who are responsible for the music centre and its activities. They provide assistance at the weekly meetings and concerts as well as raising most of the money needed to run the music centre.
If you would like to become a friend, or help in any other way, please
contact us.
Registered charity no. 1041980
North Devon Music Centre is supported by Devon County Council.
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Want to know more?
If you want more information, or would like to talk to someone involved with the music centre,
or have some comments you would like to pass on, please
contact us.
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