New ensemble information

Brass band:
Brass band is one of Blowsoc’s larger unaditioned ensembles which includes players of all
abilities. The band is based on being a traditional Brass Band- but trumpets and French
Horns are allowed. They play an assortment of music from traditional brass band pieces, to
arrangements of film music and TV themes. Every year the ensemble takes part in a range of
concerts, and one of the ensembles favourite events is carolling in the Christmas period. The
ensemble also takes part in a range of contests throughout the academic year where they
frequently have impressive results. Brass is a very friendly group that has regular socials and
meet ups, including after rehearsal drinks and food in Mooch! Please don’t be shy, come
along and get involved in this great ensemble whatever standard you may be.

Clarinets:
Clarinets is one of Blowsoc’s unaudioned ensembles which welcomes any clarinettist to
come along. The weekly rehearsals enable players the opportunity to try out the Bass
Clarinet or Eb clarinet as well as improving their skills on their own clarinet. The repertoire
includes a great mix of classical, jazz and film music and they are always welcome to trying
out pieces that students have composed themselves. They play in a range of concerts
throughout the year and last year they frequently took part in the Blowsoc Outreach
programme by playing at local schools and busking in the city. At the end of the year they
elect the new committee which includes a manager and conductors. They are a very friendly
and approachable group of people who would love some new players. They play, laugh and
enjoy some biscuits too!

Concert Band:
Concert Band is Blowsoc’s largest unauditioned ensemble. The incentive is to give all
woodwind, brass and percussion players of any ability the chance to play some exciting
music, meet new people and participate in some fantastic concerts. We welcome all players
to come and join whether they have just picked up the saxophone or have a clarinet
diploma. Concert Band has weekly rehearsals where they tackle a diverse programme from
The Greatest Showman to American Barn dance and more traditional concert band
repertoire. It gives people the chance to have some great fun playing recognisable tunes or
learning new ones. Every christmas concert band does a joint concert with the Wind
Orchestra and other small ensembles to make a giant ensemble, this is always a great end to
the Blowsoc Christmas Extravaganza. Last year, Concert band did a joint concert with the
University of Birmingham’s Wind Band, this was a fantastic collaboration and something we
wish to do again in the future. Concert Band is completely student run and each year
everyone has the opportunity to run for manager or audition for conductor. The ensemble
was created in 2014, and this year we will be celebrating its 5-year anniversary! So if you
would like to meet lots of musicians, please turn up to rehearsals.

Double Reeds:
The Double Reeds ensemble is an unauditioned group which enables oboists and bassoons
to play together. Rehearsals are great fun, learning new repertoire to be performed in our
concerts. We play a mix of music from standard classical repertoire such as Handel to
arrangements of our favourite films and TV themes. We also enjoy playing arrangements
which include the Cor Anglais. We regularly have socials outside of rehearsal times,
including our Christmas meal last year which gave us the opportunity to get to know each
other better. We hope to see some new players in September!

Flutes:
Last year Flutes became one of the largest unauditioned ensembles. We welcome anyone to
come along and play regardless of their standard as you have the opportunity to improve as
a flautist. Those involved in the ensemble will have the chance to try out playing the piccolo,
alto flute or bass flutes. Each year we tackle a wide variety of repertoire from film tunes to
more classical flute choir pieces. We also try out repertoire that fellow musicians have
written themselves! We are always looking for new members so if you play the flute why
not come along to our fun and friendly rehearsals!

Percussion:
The percussion ensemble is Blowsoc’s newest unauditioned ensemble, which started in
September 2016. The ensemble has the opportunity to play any percussion instrument that
can get their hands on within the department- including a range of unpitched and pitched
instruments. Sometimes we even play music for obscure instruments too! We play a great
variety of pieces throughout the year, including pieces that students have written
themselves. This ensemble is a great opportunity for any musician to take part in,
particularly if you have a key interest in rhythm!

Saxophones:
Saxophones is one of our unauditioned ensembles which offers the chance to play some
varied repertoire for soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. The ensemble tackles
jazz standards, classical pieces and arrangements of well-known film and show tunes. The
weekly rehearsals are great fun and offer the chance for people to try out new techniques
and improve their ensemble playing skills. The saxophone ensemble takes part in our
outreach programmes in the local community, as the ensemble has been quite a hit with the
local schools. Whether you are a newcomer or and advanced player Saxophones is always
looking for new players, so why not come along?

Moons:
Moonlighters is Blowsoc’s auditioned Big Band which gives all students the chance to play
music from a variety of styles. Moonlighters is a highly popular and well-known ensemble
within the university, playing regularly at gigs, weddings, balls and socials. They play a range
of styles from traditional jazz ballads to funk music, all of the music is guaranteed to make
you want to dance! Although the ensemble is committed to a high standard of playing with
lots of concerts, we also have regular socials and opportunities to see other jazz bands. This
year, a lot of the ensemble has graduated which leads the opportunity for new players to
join! If you would like to audition for this amazing ensemble, please sign up at the Freshers
Fair.

Wind Orchestra:
The University of Nottingham Wind Orchestra in one Blowsoc’s auditioned ensembles. The
Wind Orchestra learns a range of challenging and exciting repertoire throughout the
academic year, in a range of concerts both on and off campus. Last year, the ensemble
received a Platinum award in the final of NCBF, receiving high praise from the judges. This
was a fantastic opportunity for the hard-working ensemble to be awarded for their
dedication. The Wind Orchestra is professionally conducted by George Morton, and we also
have a student conductor who has teaching from George and conducts in the concerts as
well. The ensemble has great fun throughout the year with plenty of socials and joining in
with any Blowsoc events.

Insert George bio