Our Saturday Music Centre is a great place for young musicians to develop their skills and explore their creativity.
The centre runs during school term time and offers instrumentalists and singers at all levels (beginner to advanced) a wide range of bands, choirs, groups and ensembles covering a variety of genres, as well as music theory classes and individual instrumental tuition.
Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or have been playing for years, our Saturday Music Centre is ideal for children and young people who wish to develop their skills. They will have the opportunity to play or sing with other young people in a supportive environment and work towards performing in local concerts and projects.
When
Saturdays, 9.30am–1.45pm (during school term time)
Where
Prendergast Vale School, Vian Street, Lewisham, SE13 7BN
Cost
Saturday Music Centre charges
What we offer
We offer a wide range of bands, choirs, groups, ensembles, music theory and individual instrumental lessons. Please click on the names below to read about each group.
Junior Singers is a dynamic and engaging introduction to choral singing. We learn vocal and performance technique through fun warm ups and games and look at a wide variety of music from different styles and traditions. Each term we work towards a performance and aim to showcase a high standard of ensemble singing.
This group is perfect for anyone with a desire to sing, improve their confidence, learn basic musical skills and techniques, and to have a good time!
Instrument/Voice
Voice
Level
All singers welcome
Age
7-11
Time
10:30-11:30
What style/types of activity this group involves?
Singing and music based warm ups and games. Learning songs from different styles and musical traditions. Styles of music include: pop, musical theatre, folk, classical and much more!
3 words to describe the group
Fun, energetic, joyful
Examples of what this group has performed previously
If Only You Would Listen (School of Rock), Believe (Polar Express), When Children Rule the World (Whistle Down the Wind)
Beginner Strings is a lively yet relaxed string ensemble for those who have just started a string instrument. It is a wonderful opportunity to get a feel of playing and working with others, as a team. Group members are always encouraged to interact with each other and the ensemble leader to create a fun and inclusive group dynamic. Music is chosen and arranged directly with the students of the group in mind. Therefore, there is always a range of parts appropriate for everyone’s ability (normally consisting of open strings and first position).
Instruments
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Level
Pre Grade 1 (or equivalent)
Age
All ages
Time
9:30-10:30
What style/types of activity this group involves?
Musical warmups, ensemble playing. Everything from Classical to Film to Pop
3 words to describe the group
Lively, welcoming, fun
Examples of what this group has performed previously
We openly discuss what we perform with the group ahead of making any decisions. Shaun the Sheep, Isn’t She Lovely, Ode to Joy, Kookaburra, Muppet Show, Mi Gallo, Sing and Rejoice, Bare Necessities (Jungle Book), Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Mission Impossible, Row Row Row Your Boat, The Way You Look Tonight, In the Jungle, Flintstones, Do Re Mi (Sound of Music), We Wish You a Merry Christmas, O Tannenbaum
Samba Band is an energetic percussion group so expect to bring some good vibes, playing music from the African diaspora, learning visually, playing syncopated (interruption of the regular flow) rhythms on the instruments.
Instruments
Brazilian instruments, including most of instruments in the ‘Bateria’. Surdos, Caixas, Repinique, Agogo Bells, Gonzas, Tamboriums
Level
No experience necessary, everyone is welcome!
Age
All ages
Time
9:30-10:30
What style/types of activity this group involves?
Various styles from the African Diaspora, Batucada, Samba, Funk, Maracatu.
3 words to describe the group
Fun, energetic, welcoming
Examples of what this group has performed previously
Previously we have played batucada, funk maracatu in concerts and parades
Classical Guitars is an ensemble for classical guitarists who are Grade 1-3 or equivalent. Players will learn a wide variety of music in ensemble, ranging from Bach to Spanish and pop, backed up with theory and practice guidance to aid understanding. Ability to read music is useful.
Instrument
Classical Guitar
Level
Grades 1-3 (or equivalent)
Age
All ages
Time
10:30-11:30
What style/types of activity this group involves
Reading/Listening/Counting carefully. Learning to play as part of a group/ensemble, mainly using music notation to read, rehearse and play the pieces. Developing classical technique.
3 words to describe the group
Read, rehearse, play
Examples of what this group has performed previously
Mamma Mia (ABBA, arrangement), Eleanor Rigby (Beatles, arrangement), ABRSM Music Medals pieces for Guitar (Bronze/Silver/Gold), Fiesta (Guitar Basics)
Intermediate Strings is an exciting ensemble for young people playing one of the wonderful instruments in the string family. Players will explore repertoire from a range of genres spanning the 17th century to the present day – no matter what you enjoy, there will be something for you!
Instruments
Cello, Double Bass, Violin, Viola
Level
Grade 1+ or equivalent. Reading the notes, understanding of basic rhythm and knowing the first position is essential.
Age
All ages
Time
10:30-11:30
What style/types of activity this group involves
Group scales, focusing on the production of the sound as an ensemble, playing together, learning how to breathe together (string players are rather bad at breathing). Learning the basics of conducting, following a conductor. Listening carefully at the rest of the group.
We play repertoire from all styles, including classical, baroque, film music, jazz.
3 words to describe the group
Together, Listening, Enjoying
Examples of what this group has performed previously
Bach Bourrées, Skyfall soundtrack
Intermediate Winds is an exciting wind band for all brass and woodwind players. The aim of the group is to constantly develop young people’s musicianship through fun and exciting repertoire, and your lungs will get a great workout!
Instruments
Brass, Woodwind
Level
Grade 1-3 or equivalent
Age
All ages
Time
10:30-11:30
What style/types of activity this group involves
We play a varied repertoire spanning popular music, film and TV, and musicals
3 words to describe the group
Welcoming, Fun, Loud
Examples of what this group has performed previously
Havana, Mission Impossible, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Jazz Band play classic standards from the jazz repertoire across the stylistic genres. Everything is learnt by ear; ensemble tunes are backed up with theory to aid improvising and understanding. Students are encouraged to jump in and see what comes out!
Instruments
Brass, Woodwind, Bass, Guitar, Piano, Double Bass
Level
Grade 1-3+ or equivalent
Age
All ages
Time
11:45-12:45
What style/types of activity this group involves
Learning by ear, how to improvise, learning about music theory to improve performance (chords/scales/harmony).
3 words to describe the group
Serious but fun
Examples of what this group has performed previously
The Jody Grind (Horace Silver), Chitlins con Carne (Kenny Burrell), The Mountain (Abdullah Ibrahim)
As instrumental skills progress, development in music theory and musicianship becomes increasingly important in helping students to perform with sensitivity, understanding and confidence.
Our Music Theory classes aim to give students a thorough understanding of the building blocks of music, starting with the basics of rhythm and notes, and going on to cover harmony and counterpoint, composition, and a broad knowledge of western music, including composers and their works, structure, style, and period.
There are 3 music theory classes throughout the day which allows students to work around their practical activities. Each class lasts for 30 minutes and caters for all levels. It is ideal for students who wish to work towards Grade examinations, but this is not a requirement. Students will be required to purchase theory books from time to time as advised by teachers.
Instruments
Any
Level
Any
Age
All ages
Time
9:30-10:00 / 11:00-11:30 / 12:45-13:15
Rock Band Uno
Rock Band Uno teaches young people who have a little experience of playing various types of pop and rock music how to set up and control equipment for a full band performance. They will also learn to play pop and rock music by ear.
Instruments
Vocals, Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Guitar
Level
Approximately Grade 1-3 or equivalent
Age
All ages
Time
9:30-10:30
What style/types of activity this group involves
Learning to play by ear. Listening/Counting/Playing together. Learning about chords, song structure.
3 words to describe the group
Serious but fun
Examples of what this group has performed previously
House of Memories (Panic! At The Disco), Learn to Fly (Foo Fighters), Honey I’m Home (Destroy Boys)
Rock Band Dos
Rock Band Dos teaches young people with experience of playing pop and rock music how to set up and control equipment for a full band performance as well as learning how to play pop and rock classics from the last 60-70 years! All material is learnt by ear, and rockers are encouraged to listen and practise more deeply.
Instruments
Voice, Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Guitar
Level
Approximately Grade 4+ or equivalent
Age
All ages
Time
12:45-13:45
What style/types of activity this group involves
Learning to play by ear. Listening/Counting/Playing together. Learning about chords, song structure.
3 words to describe the group
Serious but fun
Examples of what this group has performed previously
House of Memories (Panic! At The Disco), Learn to Fly (Foo Fighters), Honey I’m Home (Destroy Boys)
Senior Singers work through detailed vocal and performance techniques, look at various musical elements and ways to improve our musicality and harmony singing, as well as exploring a wide variety of musical styles and traditions. All learning is framed through an engaging and exciting framework, with sessions tailored to individual likes and needs. Singers are encouraged to build their confidence, learn how to grow, and develop their voice and musicality, and to have fun and form connections. We work towards a performance each term.
Instrument
Voice
Level
All abilities welcome
Age
11-18
Time
12:45-13:45
What style/types of activity this group involves
Singing and music-based warmups and games. Learning songs from different styles and musical traditions. Styles of music include pop, musical theatre, folk, classical and much more!
3 words to describe the group
Dynamic, Challenging, Fun
Examples of what this group has performed previously
4 Chords (pop mash up), Rise Up (Andra Day), Christmas Lullaby (Songs For a New World), Believe (Finding Neverland)
The Creative Composition group works on projects each term to create new music, both as a large group, in small groups or individually, giving students the opportunity to explore their own styles. The group learns about compositional techniques and how to put them into practice.
Instruments
Any
Level
At least 1 year playing an instrument
Age
All ages
Time
11:45-12:45
What style/types of activity this group involves
Creating melodies, lyrics, harmony and structure in different genres.
3 words to describe the group
Friendly, Encouraging, Creative
Examples of what this group has performed previously
Representing our individual schools through soundscapes, exploring melodies for our own instruments and learning about the 12 bar blues structure.
Folk Collective explores sound through improvisation, experimentation and engagement with a diverse array of musical traditions.
Instruments
Any (so far, we have used Violin, Indian Classical, Voice, and Flute). We try to make use of different instruments available to us in the room.
Level
Any
Age
All ages
Time
10:30-11:30
What style/types of activity this group involves
We embark in collective composition, improvisation and listening exercises, exploring various scales, textures, and techniques. We are working towards composing our own pieces and developing a broad musical language.
3 words to describe the group
Creative, Free, Exploration
Chamber Ensemble is the Saturday Centre’s most advanced orchestra and provides a wonderful opportunity for students to gain experience of an orchestral setting with a challenging, varied and exciting repertoire. Players will have the opportunity to advance to Lewisham Schools Concert Band and Lewisham Schools String Orchestra as they develop.
Instruments
Brass, Strings, Woodwind
Level
Grade 3+ or equivalent
Age
All ages
Time
11:45-12:45
What style/types of activity this group involves
Group scales, focusing on the production of the sound as a ensemble, playing together, learning how to breathe together (string players are rather bad at breathing).
Thinking and taking decisions on articulations, bowings, fingerings (like a professional orchestra would do).
Listening carefully at the rest of the group, being aware of who is playing with ‘’me’’.
Gaining experience and confidence in group playing.
One violin player will be asked to be the ‘’leader’’ so that other players can follow.
Playing repertoire from a wide range of styles including classical, baroque, romantic, classical, film music, jazz.
3 words to describe the group
Together, Listening, Enjoying
Examples of what this group has performed previously
Bach Bourrées, Skyfall, Peter and The Wolf – Prokofiev
We offer a wide range of individual lessons covering a variety of instruments and voice. Whether you are just starting to learn an instrument or have been playing for years, our experienced tutors provide an enjoyable and supportive learning environment for you to develop your creativity and to progress as a musician. The pupil is always put first and lessons are tailored to individual needs and preferences.
We strongly encourage pupils learning an instrument to join one of our fantastic groups, bands or ensembles to really develop their playing and skills.
To enable everyone to access instrumental tuition we offer instrument loans on a termly basis.
Instruments you can learn
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello
Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tenor Horn, Baritone, Euphonium, Tuba
Woodwind: Recorder, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone
Drumkit
Piano/Keyboard
Guitar
Bass Guitar
Voice
Length of lesson
30 minutes
Size of group
Individual
Who can attend
Young people between the ages of 7 and 18 years who attend a Lewisham maintained school or academy and/or live in Lewisham. Priority is given to children/young people in receipt of Free School Meals, Looked After Children (in care) and children/young people in Lewisham maintained schools or academies.
How to sign up
If you’d like to join our Saturday Music Centre then click the button below to sign up.
Sign up here
Important information for pupils, parents and carers
Terms & Conditions Essential information Behaviour PolicyWe look forward to hearing from you soon!
