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Societies

Participating in music can be lots of fun, help to relieve stress, and improve your well-being. If you're looking for a music group to take part in look no further! Whether you want to watch a concert or get more actively involved simply click on the name of the groups below to find out more about them.

20,000 Voices

Newbiggin by the Sea

20,000 Voices promotes, supports and develops singing across Northumberland and the Northeast.


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All Saints' Chamber Choir

Newcastle upon Tyne

All Saints' Chamber Choir, based in Gosforth, was founded in 1992 by its Artistic Director Edward Marsh.




Jonathan Scott is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Alnwick and District Choral Society

Alnwick

Alnwick and District Choral Society was founded in 1933.



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Alnwick Music Society

Alnwick

Arranges Programme of concerts (at least 6 per year) by professional artists.



Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Alnwick Pipers' Society

Alnwick

Alnwick Pipers' Society has regular monthly meetings/playing sessions throughout the year. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month (except August) in the Plough Hotel, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, starting at 8.00pm.
Members of the public can attend to watch and listen. Visiting players are very welcome, particularly if they can play in concert F pitch!

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Antiphon

Hexham and the Tyne Valley

Antiphon grew out of a few singers meeting to sing early church music. Repertoire has included the Tallis and White Lamentations, masses by Josquin, Dufay and Palestrina and Victoria's Requiem as well as a wealth of motets and anthems by composers of the English and continental Renaissance.

We are a sociable bunch of around 20 members and although we are not recruiting we are always pleased to hear from good singers who share a love of early music and can sight sing well and hold a part. We practise on a Tuesday night in St John Lee church hall which is about 3 miles outside Hexham and our conductor is John Roper.



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Bailiffgate Singers

Alnwick

The Bailiffgate Singers are fortunate to practice in the beautiful surroundings of The Bailiffgate Museum in Alnwick, Northumberland. We are a SATB choir of mixed abilities, under the directorship of a professional. We have 37 members and are in great need of some more men! Bass particularly.

Rehearsal night is a Wednesday 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Repertoire is very varied, from Schubert to Sting! many works are sung unaccompanied.

For more information contact Jane Dargue, jane_dargue@hotmail.com or Gillian Brown, gillian@cbrown.co.uk or telephone Joan Wilkinson, Membership Secretary, on 01669 620453



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Berwick Arts Choir

Berwick upon Tweed

A sixty member, mixed voice choir, based in Berwick-upon-Tweed; performing major works, both familiar and unusual, under the direction of Stewart McCormick MBE.

Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursday evenings from 7.15 - 9.15 pm at the United Reform Church, Spittal.


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Berwick Male Voice Choir

Berwick upon Tweed

Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Billingham Oratorio Choir

Middlesbrough, Stockton

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Billingham Silver Band

Billingham Silver Band are based at Norton Sports Complex, Station Road, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1PE. The band rehearse on Sunday mornings from 10am to 12noon and also on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. Why not drop in and see us if you are in the area? You will be more than welcome!



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Bishop Auckland Choral Society

Bishop Auckland

The Society was formed in 1956 from Bishop Auckland Youth Choir members, Bishop Auckland Male Voice Choir and Ladies Choir.


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Bishop Auckland Music Society

Bishop Auckland

As part of its commitment to make live music available in the Wear Valley area at affordable prices the Society provides a platform for up-and-coming players as well as established artists of international renown.


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Bishopwearmouth Choral Society

Sunderland

Bishopwearmouth Choral Society is well established, having given its first performance in 1949. Since then it has provided regular concerts in Sunderland with a repertoire which has been mainly classical - sacred and secular - with occasional pieces which are more contemporary. The choir seeks to achieve a very high standard musically in the chosen works and performances are always in conjunction with professional soloists and orchestras of a very high standard.

As well as the adult choir, the group also runs a youth arm, the Bishopwearmouth Young Singers, for young people from year 5 upwards.



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Cappella Novocastriensis

Newcastle upon Tyne

Cappella Novocastriensis was founded in 1960 by Dr Frederick Hudson to specialise in singing music for worship. It has about 40 members, and often sings unaccompanied.

Cappella sings in churches throughout the North East, as well as giving several major concerts each year. These concerts frequently promote unjustly neglected music: programmes have ranged through works from the Eton Choirbook to specially commissioned works by John Joubert, whose Hymne of the Nativity received its premiere at the concert given in December 2000 in Holy Trinity, Jesmond. The choir also sings unaccompanied works by other modern composers such as Tavener, Gorecki, Whitacre and Lauridsen.

In recent years Cappella has given a number of performances of early music with period instruments provided by Newcastle Baroque, or on occasion by period brass ensembles such as QuintEssential and the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble. Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 has been performed on two occasions in Durham Cathedral.

In 1999, with the aid of the Lottery Fund, the City of Newcastle, the Sir James Knott Trust and individual subscriptions, Cappella commissioned a chamber organ from Neil Richerby of
Lammermuir Pipeorgans. This organ, his "Opus 34", has been a valuable asset to the choir's performances, and is available on hire for concerts in the North East by arrangement with the chairman of Cappella (e-mail Kim.Bartlett@tgfl.net).

In December the choir usually gives a candlelit concert in the church of St Willibrord with All Saints, Newcastle Quayside. This concert has featured in succession Christmas music from Venice, Germany, England and France. In the week before Christmas the choir has regularly sung carols in a Newcastle shopping centre, to raise money for the Children's Foundation. The choir has also appeared on Tyne Tees Television's With Voices Raised, and has produced two CDs of Christmas music, in 2002 and 2005, which have been featured on BBC Radio 3's The Choir, and Classic FM's The Full Works.
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Chilli Road Band

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Chilli Road Band is a dynamic, vibrant community band consisting of adults and children playing an eclectic mix of latin, jazz and rock on an array of instruments: steel pans, percussion, drums, brass and woodwind. Band members, ranging from beginner musicians to accomplished performers, rehearse at Chillingham Road Primary School on Tuesday evenings.

People wanting to book the band should get in touch with Steve Nash (07824 555221) and people interested in joining the band should contact Paul Fletcher (0191 265 0304).


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Cleveland Chamber Orchestra

Middlesbrough, Stockton

The Cleveland Chamber Orchestra has around 35 to 40 playing members, and usually gives 3 or 4 concerts a year, the season running from September to June.



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Cleveland Philharmonic Choir

Middlesbrough, Stockton

Cleveland Philharmonic Choir, the largest choir on Teesside with 120 members, was founded in 1968 by Edwin Raymond. Under the leadership of John Forsyth, the current Musical Director, the choir performs large works from Early Music to Modern and includes some compositions suitable for young singers. Members of Tees Valley Youth Choir regularly sing with us. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays (7.00-9.00) at Acklam Grange School, Middlesbrough for 3 concerts a year.

Contacts:
Trevor Turner, tel/fax: 01642 590923 , email tt16md@btinternet.com
Joan Carter, Secretary, tel: 01642 656273, email: john_joan.carter@ntlworld.com



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Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra

Middlesbrough, Stockton

The CPO is based in Middlesbrough. It was founded in 1975 by the late Edwin Raymond to play large-scale symphonic works to a high standard. It normally gives 2 concerts per year, some of which are for charity (eg. Macmillan Cancer Relief, Butterwick Hospice). Intensive rehearsals are held on the 2 weekends before each concert.

Lead contact: Tim Jackson (Orchestra Manager), email: tim@timpjackson.plus.com, tel: 01748 821343.


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Cobweb Orchestra

Harelaw (between Stanley and Durham), Newbiggin (near Ashington) and Tebay (in Cumbria)

The Cobwebs Orchestra is an enthusiastic, tolerant group of players with professional orchestral guidance. We accept all players who can contribute and gain from playing with us, of all ages and abilities and on a wide variety of instruments.

The underlying idea is to encourage people to play and to enable them to play together so they can improve and enjoy playing. So whatever level you can play at, come and listen and come and play.


We are always accepting new members, some of whom are seasoned, experienced players who want to enjoy their music in new company. But others are complete beginners who, though musical, may never have played in an orchestra before. Most of us have been too busy to practise for several years and want to blow the cobwebs off our music stands and start playing again. Members come and go as their commitments change, so players of any instrument are able to find a place.


We rehearse regularly at three different venues: Harelaw (between Stanley and Durham), Newbiggin (near Ashington) and Tebay (in Cumbria).



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Darlington and The Dales Youth Orchestra

Darlington

Darlington & the Dales Youth Orchestra is an independent youth orchestra for young people. It is a resource for young people, age 21 or less, who are performing at grade six, above or equivalent standard, are in part or full time education.



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Darlington Choral Society

Darlington

The Darlington Choral Society was born out of the Darlington Choral and Orchestral Association and has existed since the early 1900s. In 1970 the choir joined the National Federation of Music Societies, now known as "Making Music", and became the Darlington Choral Society.




Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Darlington Clarinet Ensemble

Darlington Music Society

Darlington

Bringing the finest music and world class musicians to Darlington for live perfomances at very reasonable prices.



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Darlington Orchestra

Darlington

Darlington Orchestra is a community orchestra featuring local amateur musicians. We perform two regular concerts per year and occasionally participate in other events. New members are always welcome.


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Darlington Piano Society

Drummed Up

Newcastle upon Tyne

Drummed Up is a West African drumming group based in the Newcastle upon Tyne dedicated to playing drums and percussion. We are based at the Newcastle Music Service building at 41 Jesmond Vale, for directions use this map.

From 6.30pm until 8.20pm we have the taught session, (people arriving early usually gather in the Blue Bell pub, opposite Nr.41) Newcomers are welcomed and are taught enough to join in immediately. The performance rehearsal period starts at 8.40 (beginners welcome to stay to observe only)

Drummed Up currently have quite a large collection of West African Djembe drums and percussion, so there's always something for you to play, or you can bring your own instruments.

We meet simply to share the experience of drumming together, and we hope to share this experience with audiences. Please contact the group to find out more.




Jonathan Scott is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Dunston Silver Band

Dunston Silver Band is based at the Dunston Community Centre, near Gateshead.

We work hard and have fun. We try to play to a high standard and make sure that we enjoy ourselves at the same time. We have a varied programme, ranging from traditional brass band arrangements to more modern pop and film tunes. We practise on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

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Durham Choral Society

Durham

Durham Choral Society is a mixed voice choir with over 100 members. We sing two concerts a year in the prestigious setting of Durham Cathedral. The repertoire of DCS is varied, from traditional choral fare of the Bach B Minor to specially commissioned works by new composers such as Will Todd. We welcome new voices to the choir each year (see website for details) and look forward to welcoming you to Durham Cathedral for one of our upcoming concerts.


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Durham Scratch Choir

Durham

Durham Scratch Choir is a community choir that prides itself in drawing members from all backgrounds and walks of life. In common we have an interest in singing and performing songs from many different times and traditions. We have performed gospel, doo-wop, Georgian, Balkan, contemporary English, local folk and African music. Members of the choir may have had some or no previous experience but they all enjoy the tremendous feeling that comes from singing with others in an atmosphere that is warm and friendly. There is an annual residential series of workshops and from time to time, there are concerts around the area.

Everyone has a voice and the choir helps you to find it and express it in different ways. Come along and give it a try!


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Durham Singers

Durham

The Durham Singers is a lively and versatile choir of about 50 members: they make a point of their versatility, and the repertoire ranges from medieval to modern.





Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Durham University Choral Society

Durham

The Choral Society is one of Durham's most prestigious musical groups. We sing two or more concerts a year, often in the Cathedral, working with professional soloists and accompanied by the University Orchestra.


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Durham Young Musicians

Durham

Durham Young Musicians (DYM) is a society open to all with an interest in music, including parents, teachers and young people of all ages. It aims to foster in young musicians achievement and excellence in musical performance.

We have an exciting programme of events during the year ranging from informal matinee concerts to piano Master Classes by internationally known artists. These events are held at a number of venues in and around Durham City and give opportunities for young people at all levels to perform in public and thereby to gain experience and confidence.

For more details of events or to find out more about DYM please contact Ian Rudd (Hon Secretary) via email: ihrudd@googlemail.com or by telephone at 0191 384 4002.


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Edrom Casals Centre

Gateshead

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Ferryhill Town Band

Ferryhill

The band was formed as Mainsforth Colliery Band in 1909 and kept that name until 1968, when the colliery closed. It then became Mainsforth Colliery and Tursdale Workshops Band. In 1979 the band was adopted by, and took the name of "Durham Colliery Mechanics Band". The band prospered for a 15-year period with the support of the association, which ended with the demise of the NCB.

The band was fortunate to be offered facilities and the support of Ferryhill Town Council, and thus in 1994 became "Ferryhill Town Band".

In 1996 we were successful in a bid to the National Lottery, which enabled us to purchase a new set of brass instruments.

1998 saw the appointment of Steve Robson as Musical Director, who took the band to Contest successes at Ashington, Hartlepool, and Spennymoor. Ferryhill Town Band has represented the Northern region in the National Brass Band Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in London in October 2000 and Preston Guildhall in 2001.

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Few Broth

Newcastle/Northumberland

The band have a love of all types of folk with a leaning towards 'Geordie' folk songs.



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Gainford Singers

Durham

The Gainford Singers rehearse 7.30-9.00pm on Monday evenings during term at Gainford Primary School. The choir currently comprises 35 singers. The choir was established over 30 years ago and gives concerts at Christmas and in the spring at Gainford Parish Church. The Gainford Singers have toured abroad mostly to France and once to the USA. Recently the choir has performed with a chamber ensemble. The conductor is John MacKenzie and the choir's accompanist is Chris Thompson. The choir welcomes new members who ideally will have had some singing experience.

For further information contact John MacKenzie, email: john.mackenzie1@virgin.net, tel: 01325 730280.



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Guisborough Choral Society

Guisborough

Guisborough Choral Society was founded in 1967, we have over 60 members. We perform mainly in Guisborough. Rehearsals are held at Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough on Wednesdays 7.30pm - 9.30pm in term time.

Contact Jenny James, tel: 01642 711187, email secretary@guisboroughchoralsociety.org.uk


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Hartlepool Music Society

Heaton Voices Community Choir

Newcastle upon Tyne

Heaton Voices is a community choir based in Heaton in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Heaton Voices began in January 2000, set up by Richard Scott in response to the need for a community based singing group.


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Hexham Abbey Festival

Hexham

Hexham Abbey's popular annual festival provides something for everyone.

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Hexham and District Music Society

Hexham

Hexham and District Music Society was founded to bring chamber music of the highest quality to Hexham. Our subscription series has seven concerts between October and April and we have over one hundred members. Concerts take place in Queens Hall Arts.

Contact: Diana Dickinson, email: di-colin@ukonline.co.uk, tel: 01434 682337

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Hexham Orpheus Choir

Hexham

The Hexham Orpheus Choir performs 2 major concerts each season, plus additional smaller works through the year. We operate a no audition policy, providing a platform for people from various musical backgrounds to come together and perform a wide variety of music from Renaissance to contemporary sources.

Many choir members also belong to other choirs in the area, with some performing as soloists in their own right. Our conductor, Glenn Davis also leads the Priory Singers, Tynemouth, enabling us to join forces and perform larger choral works from time to time. The choir has an active social calendar, and new members are always made very welcome. Details on joining the choir and forthcoming concerts can be found on our website.

Rehearsals are every Wednesday, 7.30 - 9.30pm during School Term at St Joseph's School, Highford Lane, Hexham.

Contact: Tony May, tel: 07751 346487, email: info@hexham-orpheus-choir.org.uk



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Hurworth Concert Band

Richmond

Hurworth Concert Band is an amateur wind band which draws players from Darlington, England and the surrounding area.

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Jesmond Choral Group

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Jesmond Choral Group (founded in 1966 as the St James's Choral Group) performs choral music regularly in and around the Newcastle upon Tyne area. The Group currently comprises around 30 members and is based at St Hilda's Church on Thornleigh Road, Jesmond, rehearsing on Tuesday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.


Contact: Jonathan Scott, Music Director.


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Lanchester Male Voice Choir

Lanchester

Lanchester Male Voice Choir was formed in 1967 and has continued without interruption.
A small, but growing choir meets at 7.30pm each Monday in the main hall of the Community Centre. All men are welcome and auditions are not required.

Contact: lanchestercommunitycentre@yahoo.co.uk

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Langbaurgh Singers of Redcar

Redcar

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Levendale Singers and Music Society

Middlesbrough, Stockton

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Locomotion Boys Choir

Darlington

Locomotion Boys Choir is a choir for boys aged 8-14 years, singing a wide repertoire.



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Michelmas Singers

Middlesbrough, Stockton


The Michelmas Singers are a well-renowned mixed choir performing a wide range of music both unaccompanied and with orchestras, specialising in music of the 16th and 20th centuries. There are 25-30 singers giving 4-8 concerts per year.

Favourite composers include Monteverdi, Byrd, Purcell, Poulenc, Parry and Vaughan-Williams, but the choir has a very wide repertoire. They often perform music of the Baroque period with the Cleveland Consort, and are keen to perform for charities. The Musical Director is Harold Reay.


Rehearsals are held weekly on Fridays during school terms at Stockton Parish Church, from 7.30-9.30pm. Prospective members should contact michelmassingers@tiscali.co.uk


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Morpeth Music Society

Morpeth

Morpeth Music Society was founded in 1944. Six concerts are arranged, at monthly intervals, between October and March each year.

On average there are 90 to 100 annual subscription members who will pay this season just £48 for the six concerts. Door sales and single ticket purchases are very important to the society, often increasing the audience by 30%.

The Society is a registered charity and it receives funding each year from charitable trusts, local organisations and the Town Council. However, our volunteer fundraisers work hard to maintain this income.

The concerts are taking place this season in the Methodist Centre, Howard Road, Morpeth. This is a large venue with seating for approximately 200. Soft drinks are available in the interval: an opportunity to meet up with friends and exchange news.

Promoting the season starts early; in January the audience are given a leaflet outlining details of the following season's concerts. This is followed, in late spring, by a second flyer with artists photographs and programmes then in August our brochure with subscription application forms becomes available, as does our poster campaign. The website is updated in August and can be found at the link below.

The society assists the young musicians in the town by funding a masterclass (last year with the Coull Quartet) each season. We also give a number of free concert tickets to local schools, made possible by members' donations. Lastly, Morpeth Music Society awards a scholarship each year to a music student from a local school: the Eileen Bowler Scholarship. In memory of Eileen who left a bequest in her will for this purpose.

Having seen an idea in the Making Music magazine from another Society we decided to issue a newsletter in June each year to update and inform our members of events; only time will tell if this is useful. We are always looking to improve and if possible to move forward.



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Music in the Minster

Sunderland

Music in the Minster is a brand new cultural organisation. We get everyone - amateurs & professionals, people of all abilities - involved in opera and related music theatre in Sunderland.

Music in the Minster has loads to offer your creative side. Whether you're passionate about singing, acting, costumes, stagecraft or just watching a great show, there are lots of ways to get involved.

Life is better with music.



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Mutandi

Newcastle upon Tyne

Mutandi is an energetic performance group based in Newcastle upon Tyne, playing traditional West African rhythms with full djembe, bass drum and bell sections... all accompanied by our lovely, vivacious dancers. We are an exciting, vibrant and fun gigging group who get any audience up and dancing!



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New Tyneside Orchestra

Newcastle upon Tyne

Since its foundation in 1970, the NTO has doubled in size and has attracted players from all walks of life. The orchestra is now one of the leading amateur orchestras in the north east with a strong core of over 70 players.

The NTO performs three main concerts a year, currently from its concert base at Royal Grammar School, Jesmond. In addition the orchestra gives a number of smaller chamber concerts each year, often for local charities, as well as accompanying local choral groups in their own performances.

We tackle a variety of works, from Malcolm Arnold to Mozart, Tschaikovsky to Tippett so there really is something to suit all tastes.

For more information about the orchestra, including details of all forthcoming concerts, please visit our website (below). To be added to our electronic mailing list to receive details of our concerts please email newtyneorch@hotmail.com.

Vacancies

The New Tyneside Orchestra rehearses weekly on Tyneside. There are occasional vacancies in some sections of the orchestra and anyone interested, who is of a sufficiently high standard of playing, is asked to contact the secretary, Rachael Leisk.




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Newcastle All Stars Steel Orchestra

Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle All Stars' repertoire is self-arranged drawing upon pop, film scores, latin, reggae, swing and calypso.

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Newcastle Choral Society

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Newcastle Choral Society is a choir of over one hundred. We perform a wide variety of works at venues around the North East with Mark Anyan (pictured) as our Musical Director since September 2007. Mark is General Manager of the National Youth Choir, a singing tutor for Durham County Music Service, and joint Musical Director for the newly formed Durham Cathedral Young Singers. We rehearse every Monday 7.30-9.30pm at St James and St Basils' Church Hall, Wingrove Road Fenham.

We are always looking for new voices, especially tenors and basses, so why not come along and join us. Contact geoff.marshall@which.net for further information.



Jonathan Scott is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Newcastle upon Tyne Bach Choir

Newcastle upon Tyne


The choir, of some 90 plus members, was founded in 1915. Three concerts are given annually, one of works by J.S.Bach, one of British music, the third a contrasting programme. Throughout its history, the Newcastle upon Bach Choir has been based in the Music Department of Newcastle University. Dr Eric Cross is the musical director. The choir rehearses on Monday evenings during academic terms from 6.30 - 8.30pm, usually in the Kings Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University.


Contact: Rose Haslam (Choir Secretary) on 0191 285 3975 email: vrhaslam@btinternet.com


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Newcastle upon Tyne Chamber Music Society

Newcastle upon Tyne



Jonathan Scott is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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North East Gospel Choir

Newcastle upon Tyne

Leader: Sharon Durant
Sessions: Monthly, Sunday 4.30 - 6.30pm
Venue: Trinity Christian Community Centre, Freeman Road, Newcastle, NE3 1SS
For more information contact: 01670 517191, richards222@btinternet.com

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North East Melody Club

Gateshead

North East Melody Club supports the advancement of musical education through the encouragement and promotion of the composition and performance of new music, particularly by the provision of workshops and other facilities to enable individuals to develop their musical talent, with a view to promoting social inclusion among people from diverse cultures.

For more information contact:
Ballas, 57 Cheviot Green, Dunston, Gateshead, NE11 9AW
ballasdafrique@yahoo.co.uk, 07878 920966

North East Melody Club is led by Ballas de l'Afrique. Originally from Cameroon, singer-songwriter Ballas has settled in Gateshead where he lives with his family; though his heart and mind are never far away from his homeland.

Concerned about the problems facing his fellow countrymen and women, Ballas is more than aware of the sacrifices and loss experienced by African people who've had to flee their homes, seeking sanctuary in Europe.

Ballas is a pioneer of the new African diaspora settling in the north of England. He aims to engage audiences with his powerful lyrics, aiming to raise awareness and change attitudes towards his long suffering homeland. He recently renamed himself "Le Ballas d'Afrique" (Ballas of Africa).

With the support of local music producer (and kindred spirit) Giress M'badinga, Ballas has recorded his UK debut CD. 'No More', on Igarka Music, Newcastle's first African record label.

Read more about Ballas on the BBC's website here.

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North East of England Barbershop Harmony Club

Newcastle upon Tyne

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North East Recorder Orchestra

Newcastle upon Tyne

The North East Recorder Orchestra (NERCO) was formed in January 2004 to give recorder players in the North East of England the opportunity to tackle large scale pieces either especially written for the recorder orchestra or arrangements.

Meetings take place on the 4th Saturday in each month (except August and December) from 10am to 1pm in the hall of Christchurch, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Contact: John Hawkes, email: nercoinfo@googlemail.com, tel: 01661 822909



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North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society

North Tyneside Steelband

North Tyneside

The North Tyneside Steelband provides tuition, outreach, rehearsal and performance opportunities for young people and others on steel pan, the world's newest musical instrument. There are weekly sessions for beginners, adults and experienced players. Several of our players have become professional and semi-pro musicians.

We perform at events ranging from local schools, festivals, churches up to The Sage, City Hall, Albert Hall, private weddings, anniversaries, parties, and corporate events. We also work in partnership with several Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
North Tyneside Steelband

For tuition, training and workshops please contact Dave Edwards, email: dave@steelbandsnorth.org.uk, tel: 0775 360 4281. For bookings please contact Karina Atkinson, email: karinaatkinson@hotmail.com, tel: 0798 6856783.




The North Tyneside Steelband are members of Making Music, Sound Sense and the British Association of Steelbands. They are a registered charity (number 1059729).

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Northern Chords

North East

North East Chamber Music Festival.

Visit the website to find details of concerts and events during the festival weekend.



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Northern Praeclassica

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Northern Praeclassica is a chamber choir, nominally of about twenty-five members, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. It was formed in 1973 to perform music of the 16th Century, but the repertoire has since been extended to embrace music of all periods. Sacred and secular, accompanied and unaccompanied, large and small scale works all appear on the Choir's programmes. In a typical year the Choir stages three concerts, of which one per year is on a larger scale, given in aid of a charity, often attracting local external sponsorship. Northern Praeclassica is itself a registered Charity (Reg. 503478), and is a member of Making Music.

The choir meets every Monday during school term-times under its Musical Director, Simon Fidler, in Jesmond. It welcomes applications from appropriately experienced singers to join.

For further information, or for advance notice of our programme of concerts, please contact the Secretary, Les Brunton: Tel: 0191 281 2936, Email: les.brunton@yahoo.co.uk





Jonathan Scott is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Northumberland Orchestral Society

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Northumberland Orchestral Society, founded in 1877, has the distinction of being the third oldest active orchestra in the country. The orchestra has about 55 regular players covering a wide age range and a wide range of professions and interests.

The aim of the orchestra is to provide an atmosphere in which every member is able to play to the best of their ability, in a happy environment, and to enjoy each other's company.

They play a wide range of music, from the Classical Period to the present day. They give several concerts a year, sometimes including concerts for and with children.

The conductor, Gillian Coop, was Director of Music at the Central Newcastle High School for 35 years and has wide experience of both choral and orchestral conducting.

The orchestra meets every Monday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Central Newcastle High Music School, Brandling Village, Jesmond. (The nearest Metro station is Jesmond).

New members are most welcome; please visit our website (below) or, if you would like further information, email postmaster@northumberlandorchestralsociety.org.uk.



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Northumbrian Pipers' Society

Northumberland

The Northumbrian Pipers' Society was established in 1928 to promote the indigenous bagpipes of the North East of England - the Northumbrian Smallpipes and the Half-long or Border pipes.

The society has a membership of over 600 members worldwide. Membership is open to all who have an interest in the bagpipes of North East England, but players are particularly welcome, whatever their standard.

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Northumbrian Recorder and Viol School

Durham

The Northumbrian Recorder and Viol School, founded in 1971 by Layton and Christine Ring, is a summer school in the College of St Hild and St Bede, Durham, under the direction of Ralph Woodward. It covers a wide range of early music, including technique and ensemble classes and culminating in a choral and orchestral concert. The tutors are among Europe's leading early musicians.

Contact: Jane Beeson (Secretary), email: jane.beeson@btopenworld.com, tel: 07815 793168

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Norton Music Festival

Norton, Stockton-on-Tees


Mainly (but not exclusively) classical music festival in September each year, with concerts in and around Stockton.

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Opera Nova with Cleveland Youth Opera

Middlesbrough, Stockton

Opera Nova aims to provide entertainment of a professional quality in the North East of England and to develop the talents of local singers of all ages. Since our merger with Cleveland Youth Opera we particularly welcome young members.

Our most recent productions include 'Carmen', 'The Tales of Hoffmann', 'The Magic Flute' and 'Die Fledermaus', all of which were cast from local soloists and choristers from the North East.

We also present concerts and other musical events to promote opera and to support local enterprises and charities. Opera Nova has performed at venues throughout the region including The Gala Theatre Durham, Richmond's Georgian Theatre and Middlesbrough Theatre.

We are always seeking new members. You do not need to be able to sight read to sing with us and you will not have to audition, but regular attendance and enthusiasm are essential!

If you don't want to sing you can support the group as a non-performing member - to help behind the scenes (e.g. with costumes, scenery, stage management, lighting, administration etc.) and to assist with front of house duties at all events.

We rehearse every Tuesday from 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, Hartburn,
Stockton and we often meet socially on a regular basis.

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Orchestra North East

Durham, Newcastle

Orchestra North East (formerly Durham Sinfonia) was formed in the 1980s, and its members are drawn from across the North East. Its membership comprises both professional and amateur musicians who come together for at least three major concerts per year.




Jonathan Scott is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Pongos Youth Choir

Ponteland

Pongos welcomes singers aged 10-18 and currently has around 16 members. They meet to rehearse in Ponteland Middle School each Wednesday of term-time between 7pm and 9pm.

The music they sing encompasses a huge variety: lively African songs, folk music from Finland and Hungary, gospel anthems, sixteenth century Italian music, contemporary British songs, songs from musicals, Tyneside folk songs and Gaelic lullabies to name but a few. Singing with (and listening to) Pongos is never dull!

For more information about joining Pongos, buying a CD or arranging a concert, please contact Tessa Sayers (Pongos Youth Choir Association chairperson) on 01670 518853.

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Prudhoe Community Choir

Prudhoe

The choir benefits the local community by providing an organisation which encourages participation and interest in music across all sections of that community.


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The Priory Singers

Tynemouth




Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Ryton Choral Society

Ryton

RCS is a mixed voice choir of about 60 members. We have a mixed repertoire, mainly classical (secular and sacred) with occasional forays into the world of Gershwin and Sondheim and the like. We are led by David Murray and Eileen Bown. We rehearse on a Tuesday night (6.50-9.00pm) at Ryton Comprehensive School and usually perform 3 main concerts a year.

Contacts:

Neil Pont (Chairman), email:neil@pontart.plus.com, tel: 0191 2774498 (work), 01661 843783 (home), 07786 823637 (mobile);

Caroline Warburton (Secretary), email: warburtonsuk@hotmail.com, tel: 01661 833614


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St Paul's Youth Ensemble

Sans Pareil Singers

Hurworth

The Sans Pareil Singers are a mixed voice choir based in Hurworth, Darlington. Established to provide a light hearted choir with a serious love of music, singing both traditional & modern pieces including Scottish folk tunes, songs from the shows, sacred anthems and glees.


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Steelworks

Darlington

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Sunderland Symphony Youth Orchestra

Sunderland

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Sunderland Pianoforte Society

Sunderland





Jonathan Scott is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Tees Valley Barbershop Harmony Club

Middlesbrough, Stockton

Tees Valley Barbershop Harmony Club

About five years ago a group of men who travelled to Yorkshire for their barbershop 'fix' decided to form their own group based in the Tees Valley, thus the Tees Valley Barbershop Harmony Club came to be formed.

In autumn 2004 the club was officially accepted as full members of our parent body, the British Association of Barbershop Singers.

Since our foundation we have been busily building up our repertoire, improving our singing and attracting members until at present we have about 25 singers in the group, many of who had never experienced choral singing before.

This May we are taking 22 members to Cheltenham to compete at Convention, the national celebration of all things barbershop.

We are continually striving to introduce men to the joys of choral singing and to this end have organised a 'Learn to Sing' course starting September 23, lasting for 5 weeks based at Teesside University.

Feel free to drop in to any rehearsal, you will be made most welcome.
We rehearse every Tuesday at 7.30pm at The Hexagon Theatre, Hall Garth Community College, Hall Drive, Acklam, Middlesbrough, TS5 7JX.

Contacts:
Dave Tyson (chairman) - tel: 01429 263943 email: david.tyson2@ntlworld.com
Les McGhee(chorus director) - tel: 01642 554405 email: darlington5@btconnect.com



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Tees Valley Voices

Stockton

Tees Valley Voices is a choir open to boys and girls aged seven to fourteen. Two enthusiastic and skilled Music Directors ensure that there is plenty of fun, and a wide variety of music to learn and enjoy.

The choir takes part in concerts, festivals and music theatre productions. Rehearsals take place during term time in Stockton.




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Teesside Music Society

Middlesbrough, Stockton

The Teesside Music Society organises a winter series of 7 high calibre chamber music concerts, both instrumental and voice, by visiting professional ensembles.



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Teesside Symphony Orchestra

Middlesbrough, Stockton

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Tenth Avenue Band

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Tenth Avenue Band play a mixture of music - Latin, Jazz, Blues, African and Ska. Their repertoire also includes some Yiddish Klezmer and some Croatian tunes, but they are best known for Latin dance music - Mambo, Cumbia, Rhumba, Cha-Cha and Samba.


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The Singers

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Singers is a chamber choir of some 20+ singers. The choir is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, rehearsing one weekend in each month, the choir aims to maintain a sweetness and clarity of tone which is particularly appropriate for the earlier choral repertoire which is one of its specialties. The choir will be performing in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, St George's Chapel, Windsor and Southwark Cathedral during 2007.

Contact: Rose Haslam (Choir Secretary) on 0191 285 3975: email: vrhaslam@btinternet.com





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The Soundroom

Gateshead

The Soundroom is a dynamic Community Project based in Teams, Gateshead (North East England). With an emphasis on`Music, The Soundroom provides the local community with a wide range of learning activities, resources and services including Music, Video and Multimedia ICT.

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Tynedale Orchestra

Hexham

The Tynedale Orchestra (formerly Tynedale Symphony Orchestra) was formed in 1988 to enable orchestral musicians in the Hexham area to rehearse together and give concerts. Currently it gives concerts twice a year in the Autumn and Spring terms. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm in the Winter Gardens at the Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham.


Contact: Janet Chippendale, email: Jntchipp@aol.com, tel: 01434 602123




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Tynemouth Choral Society

Tynemouth

This friendly Society was formed in 1967 and meets on Monday evenings during term from 7pm to 9pm in the King's School Chapel, Tynemouth. In our two major concerts each year we perform well-loved baroque, classical and romantic music, as well as contemporary works. We also have a repertoire of lighter music including English and local Northumbrian folk Songs. There are regular social events throughout the year. New members are welcomed.

Contact: Margaret Stephenson, tel: 0191 257 3979, email: geofmgt@talktalk.net




Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

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Tyneside Chamber Orchestra

Newcastle upon Tyne

Currently in its 53rd season, the TCO presents concerts three times a year.

There are occasional vacancies for string players, who are 'auditioned' via 3 rehearsals which take place on alternate Sunday evenings (more frequently just before a concert) for two hours from 1700 at the Peoples' Theatre in Heaton, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

For further information contact the Secretary Drusilla Calvert on 0191 499 0094 or dcalvert@macrex.com

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Voicemale Men's Choir

Morpeth

We are a men's folk choir founded in February 2001 and have a current membership of 21 drawn from a wide area of Northumberland. We rehearse every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Morpeth Methodist Church. We perform at a variety of venues and our repertoire includes a wide range of material from around the world but with particular emphasis on the British tradition and the North East.


Contact: Graham Stacy (Musical Director), email: graham.stacy@virgin.net, tel: 01669 640 382

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Whitley Women

Whitley Bay

Led by Gilly Love, we meet each Wednesday from 7.30-9.30 in term-time in the main hall, Whitley Bay High School, Deneholm, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE25 9AS. The autumn term starts on 9th September 2009 and we will start at 7pm that week and the following, to manage registrations.

Women over 16 are welcome, there are no auditions and no previous experience is necessary.

More information about the choir is available from whitleywomen@googlemail.com and from Meg on 07989 485659.

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