The University of Reading has a wide range of ensembles to get involved in; whether you’re an instrumental player, a vocalist or a pianist there’s always something to get stuck into! We enjoy a close relationship with the Reading University Music Society (RUMS) and our array of offerings ensure that there is something for everyone. Scroll down and click on the links for more information about each ensemble.
We may be in lockdown, but the music will keep on playing!
Here at UoR Music we have curated a programme of online events which are open for everyone to attend, and sectional rehearsals for our choirs. Click here to find out more.
We hope that in-person music rehearsals will return soon; keep reading to find out what we normally get up to:
UoR Music Ensembles:
All UoR Music ensembles are directed by professional musicians. You must be a member of UoR Music to join these ensembles.
| Big Band Auditioned | Chamber Orchestra Auditions for Principal positions |
| Choir Unauditioned | Team of Pianists Auditions for some opportunities |
| Ensemble Leadership & Conducting Unauditioned |
Auditions
RUMS Ensembles:
All RUMS ensembles are directed by students and are unauditioned. You must be a member of RUMS to join these ensembles.
| Jazz Band | Concert Band | String Ensemble |
| RUMS Choir | Sax Ensemble | Brass Band |
| Flute Choir | Clarinet Choir |
Full Timetable:
*Larger ensembles will rehearse in Building L22, Rooms G03/4 to allow for social distancing.
**Smaller ensembles and workshop groups will take place in L29.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Chamber Orchestra 18:15-19:30 * | RUMS Choir 18:30-19:30 * | SSAA Choir 18:15-19:15 * |
|
| Jazz Band 18:30-19:30 ** | ||||
| Session 2 | Big Band 19:30-21:00 * | Concert Band 19:45-20:45 * | SAB Choir 19:30-20:45 * |
|
| String Ensemble 19:45-20:45 ** |
COVID-19 Specific Conditions:
During these unprecedented times, UoR Music is committed to working within government and university guidelines on the continuation of music activities to prioritise the health and safety of all our members.
As our activities are restricted to a maximum of 30 people at any one time, we are endeavouring to find ways of ensuring that all our members have an opportunity to be involved in UoR Music activities. To achieve this we may need to operate with a flexible approach to rehearsals and anticipate that some schedules may need to be creatively adapted to accommodate larger participation numbers.
As such, it is vital that we receive registrations of interest for all of our ensembles prior to the starting date. We will not be able to accommodate people who show up on the night without registering. To register, please click here.
For all ensembles, please be aware that as we have a room capacity of 30 people, if this number is exceeded we may need to split the ensemble into two groups that rehearse on alternate weeks. We will confirm this once we have finalised registrations.
In accordance with University guidelines, UoR Music activities will only be available to current UoR students and colleagues. Regretfully we are unable to offer activities to alumni and community members until further notice.
Risk assessment for standard UoR Music rehearsals, last updated 25/09/2020.
If you have any concerns relating to COVID-19 and your involvement in UoR Music activities, please contact Katie Whaley, Music Coordinator at music@reading.ac.uk