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• University Symphony Orchestra
• University New Music Ensemble
• University Chamber Orchestra
• University Wind Orchestra
• University String Orchestra
• University Big Band Society
  • Hornstars
  • Bristol University Jazz Orchestra (BUJO)
• BUMS Chamber Music
• Flute Choir
• Symphonia
• University Brass Band
• University Symphonic Winds

University Symphony Orchestra

• Auditioned: Audition required
• Conductor:  John Pickard (autumn term) and Neal Farwell (spring term)
• Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7.00 - 9.15pm, Victoria Rooms

This is the University’s main orchestra, and it is conducted by members of Music staff. A full-size symphony orchestra, we perform ambitious repertoire from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries to a high standard. We aim to balance established masterworks, some less well-known pieces and contemporary music. Repertoire in the autumn term will feature Holst’s Beni Mora Suite, Vaughan Williams’s Serenade to Music and the remarkable 2nd Symphony by the Welsh composer Grace Williams.

University New Music Ensemble

• Auditioned: Audition required
• Conductor: Michael Ellison
• Rehearsals: Teaching Block 2 only, Wednesdays 5.00 – 7.00pm, Victoria Rooms

NME performs brand new works and modern classics to the highest standard, bringing together leading performers from across the University to give one concert during the year, along with contributions to events such as Bristol New Music. 

University Chamber Orchestra

• Auditioned: Audition required
• Conductor: Sam Kail-Dyke
• Rehearsals: Mondays 7.00 - 9.00pm, Victoria Rooms

University Wind Orchestra

• Auditioned: No
• Conductor: Thomas Jensen
• Rehearsals: Mondays 5.00 - 6.30pm, Victoria Rooms

The Wind Orchestra is the largest of the non-auditioned ensembles and performs pieces in a wide range of musical styles. We welcome all abilities of wind, brass, and percussion players, so come along, meet new people, explore new music and enjoy being in a friendly and social ensemble! Each year we compete in the South West Universities Concert Band Fest. For further information, please email BUMSwindorchestra@outlook.com. 

University String Orchestra

• Auditioned: No
• Conductor: Jago Webb
• Rehearsals: Wednesdays 5.00 - 7.00pm, Victoria Rooms

String orchestra is a fun and exciting ensemble open to all string players without the pressures of auditions or intensive practice regimes. Violin, viola, cello, and double bass players are welcome to join as we strive to play challenging and engaging music to a high standard. Our repertoire is always varied, drawing on music of all genres. Players have the opportunity toshowcase their work in 3 concerts over theyear. For further information please email BUMSstringorchestra@outlook.com.  

University Big Band Society

Hornstars

• Auditioned: Audition required (contact society for details)
• Rehearsals: Friday 5.30 - 7.30pm, Students' Union

The Bristol Hornstars are Big Band Soc’s auditioned band, and are renowned as one of Bristol's premier jazz ensembles! The Hornstars bring a dazzling mix of  jazz, funk, latin and modern classics to local venues. Conducted this year by Izzy Mastriforte, be sure to audition for some of the finest jazz the city has to offer.

Bristol University Jazz Orchestra (BUJO)

• Auditioned: No audition for saxes, trumpets and trombones - but rhythm section and vocalists auditioned
• Rehearsals: Friday 5.30 - 7.30pm, Students' Union

The Bristol University Jazz Orchestra are Big Band Soc’s un-auditioned band (except for vocals and rhythm), giving everyone an opportunity to be a part of an accomplished and vibrant jazz ensemble. Performing at events across the city, the inimitable BUJO is conducted this year by Oli Manley. Be sure to come along for lively rehearsals with midpoint pints and unforgettable gigs!  

BUMS Chamber Music

• Auditioned: No
• Co-ordinator: Anna Harris 

BUMS Chamber Music is the perfect opportunity for all instrumentalists to get involved with music at Bristol. We help you meet and connect with other chamber musicians so you can create and join ensembles, we will also be running some larger one off ensembles throughout the year too! Recent ensembles included piano trios, wind quintets and string quartets, but there are endless possibilities. We also collaborate with the composition network so composers can get their works performed. There will be many performance opportunities through the year with regular concerts happening in Clifton churches for groups to participate in. If you would like to get involved, you can fill out the BUMS chamber music form or contact Anna at bumschambermusic@outlook.com. 

Flute Choir

• Auditioned: No
• Conductor: Ben Connolly
  
• Rehearsals: Fridays 5.00 - 7.00pm, Victoria Rooms

The Flute Choir is a friendly and supportive ensemble, catering for a range of abilities. We are anunauditionedensemble, who perform a variety of repertoire, including pieces written or arranged specially for us by members of the Composition Network. Whether you’d like to get back in to playing the flute, or you’re an experienced player, you’d be welcome to join Flute Choir!

For further information please email BUMSflutechoir@outlook.com.

Symphonia

• President: Noah Chandler
  
• Vice-President: Emily Whitehall

Bristol SU performing arts society of the year 2023

Symphonia Symphony Orchestra

• Auditioned: part-auditioned
• Manager: Ella Kronqvist
• Conductor: Caleb Kernaghan

Symphonia Symphony Orchestra is a part-auditioned group that plays a wide variety of advanced orchestral music including late 19th century gems and modern favourites from the world of film. Last year, this included Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite and Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in C minor. The orchestra is a tight-knit family of musicians, and we encourage everyone to attend our regular fun socials, including post-rehearsal wind downs. We rehearse on Thursday evenings and perform at least three concerts per year. Our esteemed annual concerto and composition competitions also offer special opportunities for individual musicians to showcase their talent. 

Symphonia Philharmonic Orchestra

• Auditioned: No
• Manager: Peta Wall
• Conductor: Felicity Lewis

University Brass Band

• Auditioned: No
• Conductors: Imogen Mcara
• Rehearsals: Thursdays 7.00 - 9.00pm, Victoria Rooms

The University of Bristol Brass Band is a friendly, social and hardworking non- auditioned ensemble, welcoming brass and percussion players of all standards. We aim to perform at a high level, working on some challenging, yet exciting, repertoire in a relaxed and low-pressure environment.The band holds a number of concerts throughout the academic year, the highlight of which being competing atUniBrass, the annual inter-university brass band contest, in which last year Bristol won the most entertaining band! In previous years, the band has been lucky enough to have workshops led by Philip Harper, conductor of the Cory Band, as well as sectionals led by section principals. If you have any questions please email the band manager at: BUMSbrassband@outlook.com.  

Bristol University Symphonic Winds

• Auditioned: Yes (contact society for details)
• Conductor: Jasmine Law
• Rehearsals: Wednesdays 5.00 - 7.00pm, Victoria Rooms