Making Music is supporting the formation of clusters of music groups around the North East. This section aims to answer some of your questions about clusters, and let you know how to get involved.
What is a cluster?
A cluster is a group of people who come together because of a shared interest, in this case music.
Cluster groups are an opportunity for you to make useful contacts, discuss ideas, share problems (and hopefully solutions!), and work together for mutual benefit.
There are no hard and fast rules about what form a cluster should take, but it should suit members' needs.
Back to top >What would I get out of a cluster?
Would you like to know more about what other groups in your area are doing?
Have you ever scheduled a concert only to discover that another event is happening at the same time?
Do you need more members?
Would you like bigger audiences?
Do you have potential members on your waiting list who you don't have space for in your group? (63 sopranos, or 20 clarinets)
Do you have big ideas but aren't sure how to put them into practice, or whether they'll work?
Do you like meeting other musicians and sharing ideas and experiences?
If you have answered 'yes' to any of the questions above, then a cluster could be just what you need. Cluster groups are your opportunity to discuss ideas and problems in a relaxed and supportive environment. You can make new contacts, discover new ways of working together and learn from others' experiences and mistakes.
A pilot cluster of orchestras and bands in the Newcastle area was established in autumn 2007 and has already led to collaborations on:
sharing sheet music
reciprocal website links
anti-clash
finding new members
joint publicity
What is Making Music's role?
Making Music's role in establishing cluster groups is as facilitators rather than managers. We will not tell a cluster how to run itself, but the Regional Development Officer will provide helpful ideas and support.
We can set up the first meeting of a new cluster group – liaising with potential members to invite them to the meeting, booking a meeting space and providing tea and coffee to help get things off to a good start.
Once clusters are established we encourage groups to be autonomous; to make their own decisions about how often they meet, what to discuss, and what their priorities are. We will not check up on you or ask you to report back to us, but we can always be contacted to provide advice and support.
Back to top >What commitment would be required by me?
Clusters are fluid and flexible groups, with individuals and music groups able to drop in and out of the cluster as suits them.
Cluster groups will decide for themselves how often and for how long they meet. The pilot cluster group has so far met for around 1.5 - 2 hours every 4 months, over a cup of coffee.
Clusters are not formal meetings; no-one needs to keep minutes and contact between sessions is only necessary if you have a specific idea to develop.
However, to keep a cluster going, there will need to be a certain level of enthusiasm, and someone will need to agree to contact other members to arrange the next meeting.
Back to top >I'm interested. What do I do next?
Look at the list of cluster groups below to see if there is one you would like to join.
As this idea is in its early stages there may not be a cluster local to you yet, or dealing with your type of music making. If this is the case, please contact the Regional Development Officer, who will be happy to set one up.
Back to top >Current cluster groups
1. Orchestras and bands in the Newcastle area
The cluster currently meets roughly every 4 months in the café at The Sage Gateshead.
2. Choirs and vocal groups in Durham City and surrounding area
This cluster meets roughly every 6 months, in October and March, in at County Hall, Durham.
3. Music groups in the Alnwick area and North Northumberland
The Alnwick cluster meets quarterly at the Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick. If you are interested in attending please contact the Regional Development Officer.
If you are interested in getting involved with these clusters or would like to know more, please contact the Regional Development Officer.
If you would like to have a cluster group in your area or for your type of music making, please contact the Regional Development Officer.
Back to top >
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