Area Band Network

What are Area Bands?

Area Bands are fantastic beginner orchestral groups open to Year 5 and 6 pupils who have some experience of learning an instrument.

How do they work?

Nottingham Music Service works in partnership with primary schools to run Area Bands across Nottingham City. Rehearsals are held every week during term-time from 4pm to 4.55pm.

Area Band rehearsals include a combination of full rehearsals, small group activities, performances, singing, movement and improvisation. Instruments include violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and more!

Area Band rehearsals are led by a member of NMS staff weekly, with schools accessing an online session if no NMS staff is available in person. To develop a sense of community across bands, and to promote fun and inspiring rehearsals, the school-based area bands will also link up with the online rehearsal at the start and end of all rehearsals and this way get to practice with even more pupils from across the city.

Area Band Joint Rehearsals

Some Area Band schools get together for weekly rehearsals, leading to a stronger sense of community, and supporting pupils to practice and hear different musical parts come together. These rehearsals are a good lead up to our bigger events where there may be up to 200 children performing together!

We ask schools to take part with a minimum of 10 pupils, but if you can’t facilitate this and would still like to take part, we will timetable you at weekly joint rehearsals at a nearby school.

Schools' Responsibilities

To run an Area Band, you would need to:

• Provide a rehearsal space with a screen, projector and good Wi-Fi
• Welcome pupils and oversee the children leave at the end of rehearsal
• Have a member of staff present throughout the rehearsal to support the pupils and NMS staff
• Support children through online sessions in the weeks when NMS staff are not present in schools
• Bring children to joint rehearsals and performances