Instrumental groups

Page contents

University Symphony Orchestra

  • Auditioned: Audition required
  • Conductor:  Neal Farwell 
  • 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. Recent performances have included Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Symphony, Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, works by Augusta Holmès, Anna Clyne and Missy Mazzoli, and Brahms’ German Requiem. Repertoire planned for this year includes music by Saint-Saëns and Holst, a premiere by Lim Kang Ning, and a massed-choirs collaboration with conductor Elinor Cooper. 

University New Music Ensemble

  • Auditioned: Audition required
  • Conductor: Michael Ellison
  • Rehearsals: Thursdays 6.00 – 8.00pm, 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: Charlie Kay
  • Rehearsals: Mondays 7.00 - 9.00pm, Victoria Rooms

Chamber Orchestra is a high-standard, student-led auditioned ensemble that welcomes 40+ musicians from across the university to perform a variety of thrilling and high standard repertoire, including Copland’s 'Appalachian Spring', Francaix’ Clarinet concerto and Beethoven's 7th Symphony. Each year we have planned a programme of four concerts, including our flagship St. George's concert “An Evening with BUMS”. Individual students have the chance to be featured through the esteemed annual concerto competition as well. For more information, please email our manager bumschamberorchestra@outlook.com or visit our Instagram! @bumschamberorchestra 

University Wind Orchestra

  • Auditioned: No
  • Conductor: Abi Lear
  • 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! Our wind orchestra competes in the annual South West Universities Concert Band Festival, co-founded by Bristol but now featuring 7 universities across the South West!  If you have any questions please contact the manager at: BUMSwindorchestra@outlook.com 

University String Orchestra

  • Auditioned: No
  • Conductor: Ryan Power
  • 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 to showcase their work in 3 concerts over the year. If you want to play in a sociable and quality ensemble, join us on Wednesday evenings in the Recital Room in the Victoria Rooms! 

If you have any questions please contact the manager at: BUMSstrings@outlook.com 

University Big Band Society

Welcome to Bristol University Big Band Society!  

We have two amazing big bands which cover a full range of jazz, from classic swing to contemporary fusion, funk and pop. As well as being in demand for formals and parties, we put on our own events throughout the year, with a particular recent highlight being our sell-out event ‘Clusterfunk’ at Bristol Beacon hosted with the JazzFunkSoul Society.  

The society also holds an annual summer tour which is always well received – with both bands performing to large crowds in beautiful locations across Europe.  

Visit our Welcome Fair stand to sign up for auditions which happen at the start of the year! We have free membership available through the SU website.  

Find us at: www.bigbandsoc.co.uk and on Facebook (The Bristol Hornstars and Bristol University Jazz Orchestra) and Instagram (@bristolbigbandsoc).

Hornstars

  • Auditioned: Audition required (contact society for details)
  • Rehearsals: Friday 5.30 - 7.30pm, Richmond Building

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 Oli Manley, 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, Richmond Building

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 Oscar Pelly. Be sure to come along for lively rehearsals with midpoint pints and unforgettable gigs!  

Jazz Funk Soul Society

Are you itching to improvise? Thirsty for funk? Searching for soul? If yes, then we’re the society for you! We host weekly jazz, funk, and soul jams at “Mr Wolf’s”, open to all instruments and abilities, playing a range of music, from classic standards to your favourite funky pop bangers! Following each jam, a DJ takes over the stage, playing club classics deep into the night, and every other week, we also feature a 1-hour set from one of Bristol and the wider UK’s many amazing bands. Music is always from 
9pm till late!

Throughout the year, we also host interactive workshops (free for members) by some of the scene’s best singers and instrumentalists, having previously hosted big names such as jazz vocalist Victoria Klewin, or Bristol saxophonist Craig Crofton. We’ve even had Ezra Collective up on our stage before!

Come pay us a visit at the Welcome Fair if you have any more questions, or just want to have a chat with one of our committee members! You can also find out about our BRAND NEW FRESHTIVAL’24 coming up in Fresher’s Week at Strangebrew!

Find us on instagram @jfsbristol for more information, and on the SU Website for free membership.

BUMS Chamber Music

  • Auditioned: No
  • Co-ordinator: Shayna D'Silva

BUMS Chamber Music is the perfect opportunity for all instrumentalists and singers to get involved with music at Bristol. We help you meet and connect with other chamber musicians so you can create and join ensembles. Recent ensembles have 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 and a masterclass happening in local churches for groups to participate in. There will also be opportunities to get feedback and socialise in various workshops. If you would like to get involved, you can fill out the BUMS chamber music form or contact Shayna at bumschambermusic@outlook.comp  

Flute Choir

  • Auditioned: No
  • Conductor: Yasmin Hussain
  • Rehearsals: Fridays 5.00 - 7.00pm, Victoria Rooms

Flute Choir is a fun and sociable ensemble. We are an un-auditioned ensemble and welcome flautists of all abilities to join our ever-growing group. We have a variety of challenging and easier parts, with additional opportunities to try out the piccolo and alto flute. Join our friendly community every Friday evening at the Victoria rooms as a great way to wind down from the week! 

For further information please email BUMSflutechoir@outlook.com.

Clarinet Choir

  • Auditioned: No
  • Conductor: Lucas Dick
  • Rehearsals: Fridays, 5.00 - 7.00pm, Victoria Rooms

Clarinet Choir is BUMS’ newest ensemble!  Formed in 2024, Clarinet Choir is open to players of all levels, offering a relaxed atmosphere as well as opportunities for you to improve.  We play all sorts of music – from arrangements of well-known classical pieces to swing and more modern experiments, that is accessible for all! Come along for the fun rehearsals, great music and free biscuits! 

Symphonia

  • President: Neve Humphreys
  • Vice-President: Athina Arkoudogianni 

Bristol University Symphonia is a Gold Balloon accredited society who won Performing Arts Society of the Year in 2023! We have two student-run orchestras: Symphonia Symphony Orchestra, which is part-auditioned, and Symphonia Philharmonic, which is the only un-auditioned full orchestra at the University. Besides playing prestigious music, we have a jam-packed social calendar, and eat biscuits and cakes during rehearsal breaks! We offer a non-pressurised fun environment for music making and are accessible to all. We have a vibrant and social orchestral family, and we enjoy engaging with our local community, including through outreach events and sponsorships. 

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram (@bristolsymphonia) to keep up to date and find us at the Welcome Fair or email bristolsymphonia@gmail.com for more information. Apply now for either/both orchestras: bit.ly/applysymphonia. 

 

Symphonia Symphony Orchestra

  • Auditioned: part-auditioned
  • Conductor: George Owen

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 Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Bruckner’s 9th Symphony and Grieg’s Piano Concerto, as well as John Williams’ Star Wars Suite. 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: Lee Suet
  • Conductor: Thomas Jensen

Symphonia Philharmonic Orchestra is the University’s only completely un-auditioned full orchestra. No matter what your instrumental proficiency is, we welcome you to perform orchestral favourites, in a relaxing, fun and easy-going environment. Our repertoire includes famous film and theatre pieces, as well as well-known classics. Last year, this included music from Jurassic Park, Gladiator and Lord of the Rings, as well as the overture from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings and perform at least three concerts a year. In addition, we have many fun socials and often collaborate with other societies, allowing our members to meet new people and make friends while playing music. For a relaxed opportunity to play music and make friends, we’d love to see you at Symphonia’s Philharmonic Orchestra! 

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram (@bristolsymphonia) to keep up to date and find us at the Welcome Fair or email bristolsymphonia@gmail.com for more information.  

University Brass Band

  • Auditioned: No
  • Conductors: Ed Cheung
  • Rehearsals: Thursdays 7.00 - 9.00pm, Victoria Rooms

The University of Bristol Brass Band is a friendly, sociable and hardworking non- auditioned ensemble, welcoming brass (standard brass band instruments + trumpets) and percussion players of all standards. The Band holds a number of concerts throughout the academic year, the highlight of which is competing at UniBrass in February, the annual inter-university brass band contest (in recent years we have won awards such as most entertaining band and most innovative program). The Band also has regular socials after rehearsals. 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 would like to improve your playing and musicianship in a fun and low-pressure ensemble, join Brass Band on Thursday evenings in the Victoria Rooms Auditorium!  

If you have any questions, please contact the manager at:  

BUMSbrassband@outlook.com 

Bristol University Symphonic Winds

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

Visit the BUMS website (www.bumsonline.org.uk) for more information on auditions. 

The Bristol University Symphonic Winds is the university's auditioned concert band. They perform classic and contemporary wind repertoire to an incredibly high standard, ranging from 20th Century wind suites to exciting film scores and everywhere in between. Symphonic Winds usually put on 2 concerts a year and have exciting rehearsals on Wednesday afternoons with regular socials afterwards. For more information email the manager at bumssymphonicwinds@outlook.com