Get involved at Wirksworth Music Centre
Music-making ensembles and groups for young musicians from beginner to advanced abilities, based in Wirksworth
Wirksworth Music Centre (WMC) offers school-age children the chance to develop musical skills, gain confidence, and make new friends. With a variety of groups led by professional musicians, students enjoy dynamic sessions across diverse musical styles.
The Centre fosters a supportive community, hosting termly concerts for family and friends. Extra activities like orchestra trips and guest workshops further enrich the experience, making WMC a vibrant hub for young musicians.
Get in touch or give us a try
WMC is based at Anthony Gell School (map), with most of its groups happening there on Saturday morning. Take a look at the groups below for more information.
New members are welcome to try at any time – simply get in touch with us for more information or to arrange a visit, we'd be happy to welcome you!
Our groups and ensembles
Any musical ability is welcomed at Wirksworth Music Centre (WMC), with groups for total beginners up to an advanced standard.
For young music-makers and singers
- Young Music Makers – Saturday mornings
For Reception to Year 2, this class introduces music through fun, games, and basic skills like rhythm, pitch, and simple percussion. It builds confidence and musicality through singing and movement.
- Youth Choir – Tuesday evenings (at Wirksworth Memorial Hall)
For children in Years 3-8, learning songs from various genres and performing at term-end concerts. No auditions or music reading required.
For string players
- Taster Strings – Saturday mornings
For young players to try out string instruments. Transition to Rhythm ‘n Bows when ready.
- Beginner Strings – Rhythm 'n' Bows – Saturday mornings
For beginners up to about grade 1 ability, building confidence with rhythm games and fun repertoire to develop technique.
- Junior Strings – Funky Strings – Saturday mornings
For beginner players up to about Grade 3 ability, introducing ensemble playing and developing technique through fun repertoire.
- Chamber Strings – Saturday mornings
For players (Grades 3-8), focusing on multi-part playing and advanced techniques, with performances like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
For recorder players
- Early Days Recorders – Saturday mornings
For children ages 5-7. Learning the first 8 notes of descant recorder, and basic reading skills with simple percussion and singing.
- Junior Recorders – Saturday mornings
For ages 7-11. Developing fluency, sight-reading, and ensemble skills with traditional melodies and ragtime. An opportunity to try treble recorder as well as extending the descant range.
- Intermediate Recorders – Saturday mornings
For ages 10+, playing more advanced repertoire and developing confident musicianship. Exploring different sizes of recorder including tenor, bass and great bass. Music Includes baroque, classical, and modern pieces in 4 and 5 part harmony.For woodwind, brass and percussion players
For woodwind, brass and percussion players
- Training Wind Band – Saturday mornings
For beginner brass and wind players up to Grade 1. Develop ensemble skills and play a variety of music. Recent repertoire includes Chariots of Fire and Pantha Tango.
- Intermediate Wind Band – Saturday mornings
For players of approximately grades 1-4, progressing in rhythms, key changes, and tempos. Recent repertoire includes Themes from Star Wars and Raiders March.
- Senior Wind Band – Saturday mornings
For experienced players of about grade 5+, performing a mix of classical and show tunes with solo opportunities. Recent repertoire includes Phantom of the Opera and Pirates of the Caribbean.