Symphonic Winds & Camerata / Chamber Groups

Our senior Symphonic Winds and Camerata Strings ensembles were created to offer something truly special for developing young musicians in our local community - a place where talent is nurtured, confidence grows, and a love of music flourishes giving young musicians the chance to thrive in a vibrant, high level environment where ambition, creativity and excellence are nurtured. Through ensemble training, chamber music coaching , orchestral performance and solo opportunities, students develop their musicianship, confidence, and love of music alongside equally committed peers which is considered vital for progression.

Students also gain the opportunity to appear in our weekly "Performance Class" with piano accompaniment which has become very popular. Each term, both ensembles unite for Senior Orchestra rehearsals and performances, offering a unique orchestral experience. The performances take place in local suitable venues eg the Lighthouse Concert hall, Poole, Dumpton School Wimborne, Parkstone Grammar School hall and local churches.

The programme runs across four inspiring Sunday coaching sessions per term with impressive concert including joining forces to create a senior orchestra. The weekly additional and optional Popular Solo Performance Class provides professional accompaniment and expert feedback, helping students refine their skills and stage confidence.

Participants work closely with our professional performers, conductors, and visiting artists from world-leading conservatoires, gaining insight into the highest standards of music-making. Led by specialist tutors, the programme delivers outstanding performance opportunities, personal growth, and a rich musical education for both aspiring professionals and those who simply wish to make music at the highest level. Percussionists are involved and led by David Waller. Our Symphonic Winds team of tutors also includes Mark Law, Peadar Townsend and Keith Bartlett as well as visiting guests.

The final concert at the end of the fourth session is always a highlight of our musical calendar, celebrating the hard work, progress, and shared musical journey of our young players.

We look forward to welcoming your young musician into our vibrant and inspiring musical community.

Camerata Strings

Discover the Art of Chamber Music – Where Every Voice Counts.

Step into the world of small ensemble playing through our Chamber Music Programme, designed for passionate young string players who want to elevate their musicianship.

Work closely with fellow musicians in a supportive and inspiring environment that nurtures:

Musical excellence
Refined listening skills
True collaboration

Whether you're performing a string quartet or a larger ensemble, you’ll gain confidence, leadership, and a deeper understanding of how your part shapes the whole.

The programme runs across four inspiring Sunday coaching sessions per term, giving students the chance to explore chamber music in a supportive and motivating environment. The final concert at the end of the fourth session is always a highlight of our musical calendar, celebrating the hard work, progress, and shared musical journey of our young players.

Our focus is on developing the finer skills of ensemble playing - listening, communication, musical awareness, and collaboration - all while nurturing a genuine joy for practice and musical progression. The sense of achievement and musical growth is truly special to witness. We look forward to welcoming your child into a vibrant and inspiring musical community.

Our Camerata currently welcomes two levels:

Grade 4–5+
Grade 6–8+
We offer up to 2 spaces for outstanding young pianists.

Thanks to the current generous support of the prestigious Albert & Eugenie Frost Trust, our young musicians have enjoyed exceptional opportunities during the last few years to work with highly specialised, professional visiting performers. This includes musicians from professional orchestras as well as input from our strong links with leading UK conservatoires. These connections ensure our young string players are exposed to some of the most inspiring musical guidance available, with exciting opportunities to work with and perform alongside professional musicians. Our focus is on developing the finer skills of ensemble playing - listening, communication, musical awareness, and collaboration - all while nurturing a genuine joy for practice and musical progression. The sense of achievement and musical growth is truly special to witness.

Within this programme, there are extra special and unique opportunities e.g. visit to the Royal Academy of Music to participate in their junior department and earlier this year 6 of our most advanced string players were invited to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama to participate in a Masterclass with Head of Chamber Music Matthew Jones, within their prestigious Chamber Music Festival.

Whether you're performing a string quartet or a larger ensemble, you’ll gain confidence, leadership, and a deeper understanding of how your part shapes the whole.

AUTUMN 2026 DATES:

Sunday 1, 8, 15 and 22 November

Symphonic Winds

Step into the spotlight with our Symphonic Winds Programme – a large ensemble experience designed to inspire and energise!

This fabulous group of talented musicians learn thrilling symphonic wind repertoire and take musicianship to the next level under the guidance of professional conductors and guest artists. Led by professional musicians Simon Gilliver and BSO trombonist Robb Tooley with Percussionist Dave Waller and guest professional teachers including Peadar Townsend, Keith Bartlett and Mark Law and other guest artists.

Throughout the programme, woodwind, brass and percussion players are incredibly fortunate to work closely with highly regarded top professional musicians and alongside the UK’s leading conservatoires.

This vibrant ensemble of 40-50 musicians run by Simon Gilliver and BSO trombonist Robb Tooley, offer players exceptional musical guidance and inspiring performance opportunities within a nurturing and social atmosphere.

Autumn Term

This exceptional and unique programme takes place over 4 Sunday afternoon sessions a term with end concert (free entry)and is led by a team of professional musician experts including Simon Gilliver & BSO Robb Tooley with other professional musicians.

Venue: Dumpton School, Wimborne.

Training sessions: November 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd

Venues: Dumpton School with final session at Parkstone Grammar School

What You’ll Experience:

Full ensemble rehearsals with professional conductors
Focused sectionals led by wind/brass/percussion specialists
Exploration of classic and contemporary wind repertoire
Ensemble skill-building:
Performance in a grand finale concert for friends and family

Why Symphonic Winds?

There’s nothing like the energy of playing in a powerful wind ensemble. From soaring melodies to cinematic soundscapes, you’ll experience the full range of musical colour and excitement.

Highlights:

Guest appearances by professional wind players
Masterclasses in technique, tuning, and tone
Team-building and fun rhythm games
Repertoire ranging from classical to film music and jazz

Open to age 10-18 woodwind, brass, and percussion players from approximately grade 5 - diploma levels.

Camerata Cello Ensembles

We are incredibly proud of our young string players, and thanks to the strength and enthusiasm of our cellists, we are delighted to offer both Junior and Senior Cello Ensembles as part of our Camerata programme. These ensembles are led by our inspiring teacher and professional cellist, Kate Keats.

Across four Camerata sessions, students rehearse and explore a wide range of cello repertoire, developing their ensemble skills and musical confidence. The work culminates in performances at our Camerata concerts.

Participation is open to all cellists-students may apply to take part as a stand-alone activity, and all Camerata members are automatically included. The Cello Ensembles are a fun, motivating, and enriching addition to our string programme, and a highlight for many of our young musicians.