Key Information for Members and Applicants 2026-27

Membership of Redbridge Music School involves weekly participation in one of our central ensembles (listed below). In addition to ensemble membership, students can also be considered for a 30 minute Music School Lesson.  

Entry to the Music School is gained through audition and any school-aged pupil is welcome to apply. 

Ensemble Levels

(J) Junior – Approx Grade 2-4
(I) Intermediate – Approx Grade 5-6
(A) Advanced – Approx Grade 7-8

• Symphony Orchestra (A) – Friday 7.30pm – 9.45pm 

• Intermediate Orchestra (I) – Saturday 10.45am – 12.45pm 

• Junior String Orchestra (J) – Saturday 8.30am – 10.30am 

• Symphonic Band (A) – Friday 5.00pm – 7.15pm 

• Intermediate Wind (I) Band – Saturday 8.30am – 10.30am 

• Junior Wind Band (J) – Wednesday 5.30pm – 7.15pm 

• Jazz Orchestra (I/A) – Monday 6.30pm – 8.45pm (fortnightly) 

• Sax Ensemble (I/A) – Monday 6.30pm – 8.30pm (fortnightly) 

• Brass Band (I/A) – Wednesday 7.30pm – 9.00pm 

• Percussion Ensemble (J/I/A) – Wednesday 6.30pm – 8.00pm 

• Guitar Ensemble (J/I/A) – Monday 5.30pm – 6.30pm 

• Recorder Consort (I/A) – Thursday 6.00pm – 7.00pm 

• Upper Voices Choir (J/I) Y5+ – Monday 4.30pm – 6.00pm 

• Youth Choir (J/I/A) Y7 up to 21 years of age – Wednesday 6.00pm – 7.30pm  

The expected minimum standard for instrumentalists to join the Music School is approximately Grade 3. However, students do not need to have taken the examination.   

In certain circumstances, players of a lower standard may be considered, to fill spaces on less common instruments. Examples of this include the oboe, saxophone, bassoon, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, viola, double bass & percussion.  

Drum Kit players will be considered at Grade 2 level but are expected to expand their skills across a range of percussion instruments. 

Students wishing to join Youth Choir or Upper Voices Choir do not need to be having formal singing lessons, but are expected to sing in their school choir. Prospective members will be invited to participate in a trial rehearsal, followed by a short voice test. Singers wishing to be considered for a 30-minute Music School vocal lesson will require a more formal audition.   

Applicants may express an interest in being considered for a particular ensemble. However, the student will ultimately be offered a place in the most appropriate group as decided by the Senior Leadership Team based on their audition. 

Students who are not yet of an appropriate standard to audition for the Music School are encouraged to join one of our many Club level activities which are for players of a beginner standard to approximately Grade 2. 

• Auditions are held at the John Savage Centre shortly after the May half term break. 

• The auditions last approximately 15 minutes and are conducted by a senior member of the Music Service team.  

• Instrumentalists should prepare two short contrasting pieces of their own choice. 

• Vocalists wishing to be considered for a 30-minute vocal lesson should prepare 2 contrasting pieces.  

• Sight-reading tests are given, but there are no scale requirements. 

• Applicants are not required to provide an accompanist. 

Results will be available towards the end of the summer term. Students who are offered a place in the Music School are required to accept or decline the offer by email within 7 days.  After this time, the space may be offered to another student on the waiting list.  

Although students are primarily auditioning to join an ensemble, they can also request to be considered for Music School Lessons. These are individual 30-minute lessons that usually take place at the John Savage Centre on weekdays after 4pm and on Saturday mornings.   

Music School Lessons are limited in number as they are part-subsidised by the Music Service.  As such, they are primarily offered to:  

• students who are particularly successful at audition 

• those showing excellent potential and commitment  

• those who occupy key positions in senior groups.    

Students having Music School lessons must commit to weekly participation in an ensemble.  

Pianists are not normally used in orchestras or bands. However, students offered a 30-minute piano lesson are required to sing in the Youth Choir, Upper Voices Choir or play in Percussion Ensemble. 

It is not possible to apply solely for Music School lessons without an ensemble commitment. 

Annual Music School membership allows students to attend multiple ensembles at no additional cost.  

Weekly Theory & Aural classes are also included within the membership fee. 

Music School pupils also benefit from frequent masterclasses and workshops throughout the year. 

Music School Membership 

Music School Annual Membership fees for the 2026-27 academic year are currently £21.15 per month paid via direct debit over 12 months.  

If your child receives free school meals in a school in Redbridge, membership of Music School is currently free. 

Music School Lessons 

30 minute Music School Lessons fees for the 2026-27 academic year are currently: £67.75 per month paid via direct debit over 12 months.  

Pupils admitted to the Music School retain their membership status until they leave school, subject to good conduct, progress, commitment to ensembles and attendance. 

In the Summer Term each year there are short informal ‘Internal Auditions’ for every pupil to determine their ensemble placing for the following academic year. 

If you have any further questions regarding auditions or the Music School in general, please contact our admin team – admin.musicservice@visionrcl.org.uk