Music Ensembles 

If you're looking to sharpen your musical skills or just enjoy making music with others, joining a local ensemble can be a great experience. Below is a list of amateur music groups in the London area, including details about their playing level, fees, and how to get involved.

All Levels

EAST LONDON COMMUNITY BAND

info@eastlondoncommunityband.co.uk

Location: Shadwell Centre, E1W 3HP

Rehearsal: every Friday 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Fee: adults £116 per term / under 30 £58 per term

HOLBORN COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

info.hcorch@gmail.com

Location: St George’s Church, Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2SA

Day: every Monday 7:15pm to 9:30pm

Fee: £50 per term

EAST LONDON LATE STARTERS ORCHESTRA

Contact Form here

Location: Phoenix School, 49 Bow Road, E3 2AD

Day: every Saturday 9:30am to 1:30pm

Fee: £15 annual membership, plus £190 per term

ARCHWAY BIG BAND

archwaybigband@outlook.com

Location: Hargrave Hall, Hargrave Road, Archway, N19 5SP

Day: every Friday 8pm to 10pm

Fee: please contact orchestra for details

ENFIELD CONCERT BAND

enfieldconcertband@gmail.com

Location: Salvation Army, Churchbury Lane, Enfield, EN1 3HQ

Day: every Friday 8pm to 9:45pm

Fee: £25 per month subscription or £8 pay per play

CAMDEN LIGHT ORCHESTRA

charliepyne@yahoo.com

Location: Kentish Town Congregational Church Hall, NW1 8PH

Day: every Monday 7:30pm to 9pm

Fee: £85 per term

Grade 6 and above

BLOOMSBURY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

President@BloomsburyChamberOrchestra.org.uk

Location: Several locations in Central London

Day: Saturday/Sunday afternoon

Fee: £35 membership

THE BARNET BAND

secretary@barnetband.org

Location: East Barnet School, 5 Chestnut Grove, EN4 8PU

Day: Every Wednesday 7.45-10pm

Fee: £198 annual membership (£148 concessions)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Ensembles advertised as 'all levels' typically don’t require an audition—you can usually just let them know you’re coming and join right away. More advanced groups, however, often require a certain level of proficiency and may hold auditions or have a probation period to ensure the right fit

  • Most ensembles rehearse once a week on the same day, though they may schedule extra practices when preparing for upcoming performances

  • This largely depends on the ensemble, but most welcome all ages. They may also have different groups organized by skill level, age, or instrument.

  • Yes, most ensembles charge a fee each term, and some also require an additional annual membership fee.

  • It depends on the ensemble—some are more serious and perform regular concerts, while others are just for fun and don’t include public performances.

  • We offer a rental scheme for several instruments, as well as sales option. Please check out our rentals and sales pages for more info