Orchestral
Groups
Love playing music? Come and be part of an orchestra.
Experience the vibrant sound, energy and enjoyment of making music with an orchestra.
Our orchestral groups bring together adults with all levels of musical experience to play everything from classical music and film scores to rock and pop.
There are no auditions, and our music is arranged so that players at different levels (grades 1-8) can make great music together.
Your first session is free.
We have a range of membership options, including fully and part-supported places for those who would otherwise find it difficult to take part.
Orchestras with a difference
Traditional orchestras can sometimes make it difficult for musicians at very different stages to play together. We do things differently.
Our music is specially arranged with parts at different levels, so you can choose something that suits where you are as a musician.
Want a challenge? Try a more advanced part.
Want to build your confidence or really get to grips with the music? Choose something a little easier and receive expert additional support during sessions.
It means musicians with different levels of experience can experience the satisfaction of playing the same music together.
Different parts. One great orchestra.
See what it feels like
There’s something special about hearing your instrument become part of a much bigger sound.
Take a look inside one of our sessions and see what happens when all those different parts come together.
Inside a session
Watch our musicians rehearse, work on the music and build the sound together.
Moseley Misfits
“Jaws”
B30 Ensemble
“How To Train Your Dragon”
In performance
Listen to part of our most recent performance
Play more than you might expect
Being part of an orchestral group doesn’t mean playing only classical music.
Our groups explore music from different genres and eras, including film, classical, rock, pop and more.
That variety gives you the chance to experience different musical styles, develop as a player and discover pieces you might not otherwise have played
There’s a part for your instrument too!
Violins, violas, cellos, flutes, clarinets, saxophones and brass are common orchestral instruments, but our groups are open to including other instruments too, such as accordions, melodicas, recorders, harmonicas and electric guitars.
We like to find fresh ways for diverse musicians to contribute to the overall sound.
Not sure whether your instrument would work? Get in touch and ask us.
Who can join?
Our orchestral groups are for adults aged 18+ who already have some basic skills on an instrument.
There are no auditions.
As a guide, our musical parts generally span around Grade 1 to Grade 8 ability or equivalent, so you don’t need to be an advanced musician to take part but equally, if you are more experienced, you will find it rewarding.
You might be:
Wanting your first experience of playing in an orchestra
Returning to your instrument after years away
Looking for a friendly way to develop your playing
An experienced musician who simply wants to make music with other people
Looking to challenge yourself with new repertoire
Looking for a lower-pressure way to enjoy an instrument you already play
You don’t need a certificate or a particular grade. The Grade 1–8 description is simply a guide to the range of playing levels our arrangements are designed to accommodate.
Can’t travel to a session?
You can also take part online through our Virtual Orchestra.
Our online "virtual orchestral" option is available to make taking part accessible to musicians who are unable to travel to an in-person group for a range of reasons.
Do I need to read music?
You’ll need to be able to read some traditional music notation or Guitar TAB to take part in our orchestral groups.
You don’t need to be an expert sight-reader. The important thing is having enough familiarity with written music to follow and work on your part.
If you prefer playing from chord sheets or by ear, one of our Rock Collectives may suit you better.
From rehearsal to performance
Regular sessions are only part of the experience.
Throughout the year, there can be opportunities to take part in concerts, performances, workshops, special projects and other musical events alongside musicians from your own group and the wider Misfits Music community.
Performing can give you something exciting to work towards and the chance to experience coming together in front of an audience.
But you don’t need to arrive at your first session feeling like a confident performer.
You can build your confidence with the group and choose which additional opportunities are right for you. There is never pressure to perform which allows you to decide when you are ready.
Find your orchestral group
Join us in Moseley, Bournville or online.
Choose the option that works best for you, then come and experience your first free trial session.
B30 Ensemble
Friday Mornings | 9:45am - 11:15am | Bournville
Make music and meet people in a friendly Friday morning ensemble.
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Fridays, 9.45–11.15am during term time.
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The Dame Elizabeth Hall
Firbank Close
Birmingham
B30 1UA -
B30 is a friendly morning ensemble for adults who want to enjoy playing their instrument with other people. It can be a particularly good option if you prefer daytime music-making.
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The venue has an attached car park and is close to local bus routes.
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The Dame Elizabeth Hall has step-free access.
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Bring your instrument, any equipment you normally need (eg. music stand) and your music.
We’ll let you know what the group is working on and what you’ll need before your first session.
More about the B30 Ensemble
Moseley Misfits
Tuesday evenings | 7.15–8.45pm | Moseley
Enjoy a varied mix of music, challenge yourself at a level that works for you and experience playing as part of a friendly orchestra.
More about Moseley Misfits
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Tuesdays, 7.15–8.45pm during term time.
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The Moseley Exchange
149–153 Alcester Road
Moseley
Birmingham
B13 8JP -
There is no dedicated on-site car park at the Moseley Exchange but a public council car park sits directly opposite the courtyard entrance Moseley Village Car Park or there is on-street parking in the surrounding area -Bus Routes: Route 50 & 50a - Frequent direct services running between the Maypole/Druids Heath and Birmingham city centre, stopping right on Alcester Road near the village. Route 35 - Connects Ridgemount Drive and surrounding areas to the city centre via Moseley. Route 1 - Runs locally between St James Rd and other regional points.
Moseley Village Train Station - Located a very short walk from the Moseley Exchange, providing direct rail connections along the restored Camp Hill Line.
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The Moseley Exchange features full wheelchair and disabled access, including a passenger lift to the first-floor.
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Bring your instrument, any equipment you normally need (eg. music stand) and your music.
We’ll let you know what the group is working on and what you’ll need before your first session.
Join our Virtual Orchestra online
Tuesday evenings | 7.15–8.45pm | Join using Zoom
We want more people to experience making music with an orchestra.
Our online option enables musicians who are unable to travel to an in-person session to join the Moseley Misfits rehearsal remotely.
There are many reasons why getting to a venue might not be possible or practical. Joining online means you can still work on the same music, follow the rehearsal and be part of the wider Misfits Music community from home.
More about the Virtual Orchestra
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Tuesdays, 7.15–8.45pm during term time, alongside the in-person Moseley Misfits rehearsal.
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The session is streamed online using Zoom.
Once you’ve registered, we’ll send you the link and information you need to join.
You’ll work on the same music as the in-person orchestra and follow the rehearsal from home.
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Your instrument and any equipment you normally use
Your music
An internet connection
A device that can run Zoom
A free Zoom account
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Online members can also have opportunities to join the wider group for in-person concerts and events where this can be accommodated.
Meet your group leaders
Reuben
Reuben is a composer and percussionist who studied at Birmingham Conservatoire and has worked as a music practitioner since 2015. As Misfits Music’s Music Director, he arranges music and develops activities that help musicians with different levels of experience play together.
Rob
Rob is a composer and saxophonist with a passion for making music accessible to everyone. He co-leads sessions and helps shape the artistic direction of Misfits Music, devising projects and creating opportunities for more people to make music together.
What should I bring?
Bring your instrument, any equipment you normally need and your music.
We’ll tell you what the group is working on and what you need before your first session.
If you are unable to print music at home, let us know, and we can help.
Don’t have an instrument yet?
If you don’t currently have an instrument, please get in touch. We may be able to help you source a suitable instrument, and, if necessary, you could also apply to have one provided through our instrument support scheme.
How much does it cost?
Your first session is free, so you can experience an orchestral group before deciding whether you’d like to continue.
After your trial, you can choose from our available membership and payment options.
Need help with the cost?
A limited number of fully supported and part-supported places are available for people who would otherwise find it difficult to take part.
You’ll need to apply for a supported place, and we’ll explain what information we need and what happens next.
Got questions?
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Yes. Lots of musicians return to an instrument after a break.
Because parts are available at different levels, you can choose something manageable while you rebuild your confidence and get used to playing with other people again.
Your first session is free, so you can experience the group before deciding whether you’d like to continue.
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You don’t need to be an advanced musician.
As a guide, our music is arranged for players around Grade 1–8 ability or equivalent.
You should have basic skills on your instrument and be able to read some traditional music notation or Guitar TAB.
You do not need to have taken formal grades.
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No. There are no auditions for our regular orchestral groups.
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That’s one of the things our approach is designed to help with.
Music is arranged with parts at different levels, so you can choose something that suits your current ability.
As your confidence develops, you can try something more challenging.
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You can choose a more challenging part.
Our arrangements allow more experienced musicians to stretch themselves while still playing the same overall piece as everybody else.
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Yes, you’ll need some ability to read traditional music notation or Guitar TAB.
You don’t need to be an expert sight-reader.
If you mainly enjoy playing from chords or by ear, our Rock Collectives may be a better fit.
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Yes, you can join our Birmingham Drum Battery where you can learn to read music from scratch. You won’t need any prior experience of drumming either!
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No! Alongside traditional orchestral instruments, our groups have included instruments such as accordions, saxophones, recorders, harmonicas and electric guitars.
If you’re unsure whether your instrument would work, get in touch and we’ll advise you.
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Absolutely. Lots of people join a new activity without knowing anyone else there.
You already have one thing in common with everyone in the room: you enjoy making music. And, we’ll help you settle into the group.
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You can take part online on Tuesday evenings as part of our Virtual Orchestra, which runs at the same time as Moseley Misfits.
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There are opportunities to perform and take part in other activities during the year, but this is optional.
We’ll always explain what each opportunity involves so you know what to expect.
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Choose the group you’d like to try and book your place.
We’ll send you the practical information and music you need before your first session.
At an in-person session, you’ll meet the music leaders and other musicians, get settled and experience playing with the ensemble.
If you’re taking part online, we’ll send you the Zoom information you need so you can join the rehearsal from home.
There’s no audition and no pressure to make a decision on the spot.
Come along, play and see how it feels.
Join us this September
Our new term begins w/c 7 September.
Our orchestral groups work on music together as the term progresses. Joining near the beginning means you can learn your part alongside everyone else, settle into the group and have the best possible experience.
Take part in your free first session by 18th September.
After this date, new registrations will close until the next term.
Missed the September joining window?
You haven’t missed out for good.
Our next term begins in January. Join the waiting list and we’ll let you know when bookings open.
Ready to be part of the sound?
Bring your instrument.
Find a part that works for you.
And experience what happens when your sound becomes part of something
bigger.
Your first session is free.
We have a range of membership options, including fully supported and partially supported places for those who would otherwise find it difficult to take part.
