What are Music for Life Ensembles?
Music for Life Ensembles provide high quality music-making experiences for young people aged 7 – 18. Meeting monthly on a Saturday at Cransley School, there are different options designed to suit a full range of age and ability, providing an enjoyable challenge and an exciting experience for everyone. Alongside our in-school activities, we heavily invest in the Saturday Ensembles and provide a free musical ensemble to ensure everyone can access them.
Supporting lessons
Music for Life Ensembles are designed to engage young people and motivate them in their music making. Students are exposed to new styles of music, learn new concepts and embed what they learn in their lessons. They can tangibly see that practice and lessons lead on to opportunities such as these, giving them motivation to practice for the exciting performances we work towards.
Social
Making music as part of an ensemble has proven mental health benefits that directly impact all other aspects of wellbeing. The Ensembles provide a social opportunity where students will be able to make lasting friendships, enabling them to progress together during their musical journey.
Performances
Throughout the year, there are many performance opportunities that all Ensembles take part in. Whether it be the ‘Music for Life MiniFest’ or concerts at various locations, the Ensembles provides fun experiences with bespoke arrangements such as ‘Harry Potter, featuring Jack Sparrow!’
INSPIRE | CREATE | PERFORM
Rehearsal Diary & Events
Rehearsal dates and upcoming event details for the academic year 24-25 can be found via the link below.
Music for Life Ensembles
Orchestra
Rehearses monthly on a Saturday at:
Cransley School, CW9 6HN
Age
Designed for young musicians ages 7 – 18 years old.
ability
Beginners to Grade 5 students playing orchestral instruments, including saxophone.
social
Relaxed, friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Music
Bespoke arrangements in a wide range of styles, such as pop, folk, film and classical music.
Music for Life Ensembles
Folk Band
Rehearses monthly on a Saturday at:
Cransley School, CW9 6HN
Age
Designed for young musicians ages 10 – 18 years old.
ability
All instruments and abilities are welcome including singers, with a priority given to acoustic instruments. Any ability welcome.
social
A fantastic opportunity to make new friends whilst enjoying playing and creating new music together.
Music
Folk Band play a range of music including folk, world, rock and acoustic. Music will be learnt by ear so will be a rewarding experience for many students.
Music for Life Ensembles
Jazz Orchestra & Jazz Band
Rehearses monthly on a Saturday at:
Cransley School, CW9 6HN
Age
The Jazz Band is designed for young musicians ages 11 – 16 years old and for the Jazz Orchestra, ages 12 – 18 years old.
ability
For the Jazz Band, we typically recommend grade 2 – 4 and for the Jazz Orchestra, grade 5+. Both groups allow any instrument to join.
social
The groups regularly perform throughout the year at a variety of locations.
Music
You will have the opportunity to learn how to improvise whilst playing jazz standards, as well as newly composed music.
Are you ready to join in the fun?
We hope you are excited about our Ensembles and hope to see you soon. Please complete the simple form via the link below and one of the team will be in touch with you soon.