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.
Due to the current COVID-19 conditions, it is essential that we know who is planning to attend prior to the start of rehearsals. To register for Music at Reading ensembles, please click here.
Music at Reading Ensembles:
All Music at Reading ensembles are directed by professional musicians. You must be a member of Music at Reading to join these ensembles.
| Big Band Auditioned | Chamber Orchestra Auditions for Principal positions |
| The Choir Unauditioned | Chamber Choir Auditioned |
| 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:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Jazz Band 18:30-19:30 | Chamber Orchestra 18:15-19:30 | RUMS Choir 18:30-19:30 | The Choir 18:15-19:15 |
| Sax Ensemble 18:30-19:30 | ||||
| Session 2 | Big Band 19:45-21:15 | Concert Band 19:45-20:45 | Brass Band 19:45-20:45 | Chamber Choir 19:30-21:00 |
| String Ensemble 19:45-20:45 | Flute Choir 19:45-20:45 | |||
| Clarinet Choir 19:45-20:45 |
COVID-19 Specific Conditions:
During these unprecedented times, Music at Reading 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 Music at Reading 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 The Choir and Chamber Orchestra, 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, Music at Reading activities will only be available to current UoR students and staff. Regretfully we are unable to offer activities to alumni and community members until further notice.
Risk assessment for standard Music at Reading rehearsals, last updated 02/09/2020.
If you have any concerns relating to COVID-19 and your involvement in Music at Reading activities, please contact Katie Whaley, Music Coordinator at music@reading.ac.uk