Medway Music Association
Celebrating 81 Years of Excellent Music Services for Medway Pupils
Saturday Music Centre
Who can get involved
Children and young adults aged 5 (Year 1) to 18 (Year 13). No experience required to more advanced players.
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Where
Rainham Mark Grammar School - 6th Form Block
Pump Lane, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent. ME8 7AJ.
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When
Sessions are run on Saturdays between 9.15am and 2.30pm – TERM TIME ONLY. Please see list of term dates on the right.
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Cost
£45 for the whole academic year. For this price, members can take part in as many groups to which they are suited.
*payment can be made in full or in three instalments of £15
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Please note we are passionate about making music available to all young people in Medway and want to ensure that no one is excluded on financial grounds. If the Music Centre Fee is prohibitive, please contact the Director of MMA, Derek Blease at office@medwaymusicassociation.co.uk in order to be considered for bursary support.
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Music Centre Sessions
Below you will find descriptions of the sessions available at MMA’s Saturday Music Centre or click here for a printable version.
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Please note, where grades are specified, this is a suggested standard for that group. You do not need to have taken the exam.
To download the timetable for these sessions please click here.
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To download the 2024/25 term dates please click here.
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Descriptions
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Click here for printable version
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KS1 Music Group - This group is aimed at introducing children in year 1 and 2 (ages 5 to 7) to music through some exciting and engaging musical activities. This will include musical games, fun songs and the chance to perform together using a range of percussion instruments, building and developing the foundations for learning other instruments and gaining a love of music.
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The following groups/ensembles are for children in
Year 3 to Year 13
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Recorder Group – ​For complete beginners to experienced recorder players, including descant through to bass recorders. All are welcome.
Please note for this group you do not need to have played before, or even own a recorder. We can loan you one to use while you are at the Music Centre.
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Beginner Band – * Before joining this group, we advise members should have a minimum of 10 lessons.​
A chance to play your instrument and experience lots of different styles of music in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. ​
​For beginner to grade 1 standard players of Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drum, Keyboard, Ukulele and Recorder
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Ukulele Group – ​Learn to play the ukulele in a group. Not only a great instrument in its own right, but also an excellent gateway to learning other stringed instruments. This group is perfect for absolute beginners as well as more advanced Ukulele players
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Please note for this group you do not need to have played before, or even own a ukulele. We can loan you one to use while you are at the Music Centre.
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Beginner Orchestra – * Before joining this group, we advise members should have a minimum of 10 lessons.​​
For beginner to grade 2 standard players of Orchestral Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Trumpet, Cornet, Trombone, Tenor Horn, French Horn, Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba and Orchestral Percussion.
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Fife Group – ​A cross between the recorder and flute, the fife is a wind instrument perfect for beginners. No prior experience necessary.
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Please note for this group you do not need to have played before, or even own a Fife. We can loan you one to use while you are at the Music Centre.
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Choir – A chance to have a good sing-along to a wide variety of songs. All are welcome.
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Medway Brass Ensemble – For brass players who are working towards Grade 2 standard or above.
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Music Appreciation (listening group) – A chance to relax and enjoy listening to a range of music from different genres. All are welcome.
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Intermediate Band – A chance to play your instrument and experience lots of different styles of music in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. ​
For players grade 2 to grade 3 standard. All instruments welcome.
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Senior Band – A chance to play your instrument and experience lots of different styles of music in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. ​
For players grade 4 standard and above. All instruments welcome.
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Theory – Improve your music theory knowledge in a relaxed and approachable way. You can work towards theory exams should you wish.
All grades welcome.
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Medway String Ensemble – For orchestral string players.
Grade 2 standard and above.
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Medway Wind Band – For woodwind, brass and percussion players who are Grade 2 standard and above. Double bass and bass guitar players also welcome.​
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Medway Jazz Band – A fun ensemble for playing jazzy tunes, learning about jazz rhythms, how to improvise, compose and more.
For grade 2 standard and above. All instruments welcome.
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Medway Youth Orchestra – For orchestral instrumentalists who are working towards Grade 4 standard or above.
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How to get involved
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Now you know what exciting opportunities are available, it’s time to sign up!
Please click here to download the Registration Form and return it to info@medwaymusicassociation.co.uk
Once we have received your registration form, we will be in contact with further details.
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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@medwaymusicassociation.co.uk
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Term dates 2024/25
Term 1
Saturday 28 September 2024
Saturday 5 October 2024
Saturday 12 October 2024
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Term 2
Saturday 2 November 2024
Saturday 9 November 2024
Saturday 16 November 2024
Saturday 23 November 2024
Saturday 30 November 2024
Concert:
Saturday 7 December 2024
Term 3
Saturday 11 January 2025
Saturday 18 January 2025
Saturday 25 January 2025
Saturday 1 February 2025
Saturday 8 February 2025
Term 4
Saturday 1 March 2025
Saturday 8 March 2025
Saturday 15 March 2025
Saturday 22 March 2025
Saturday 29 March 2025
Term 5
Saturday 26 April 2025
Saturday 3 May 2025
Saturday 10 May 2025
Saturday 17 May 2025
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Term 6
Saturday 7 June 2025
Saturday 14 June 2025
Saturday 21 June 2025
Concert: Saturday 28 June 2025
Concert: Saturday 5 July 2025
Testimonial
“My son has been attending MMA for a number of years. The dedicated staff are so
welcoming. My son spends his Saturdays learning and improving his musical skills as well as having fun and meeting others with the same interests as him. MMA are continually asking members how they can introduce new and exciting sessions to the Music Centre. As parents we get to enjoy the fruits of their labour with end of year concerts that hold wonderful memories for myself and our families. To see all these talented children and wonderful teachers perform is something we all look forward to. Unfortunately Covid hit but that didn’t stop MMA! My son now joins them via Zoom and this has been a great distraction for him
especially when we were in lockdown.”
Testimonial
‘My children used to attend the in person music centre and we all loved the organisation, the
many opportunities, the time table and the freedom for children to choose and thrive at what they like best. All this is thanks to everyone of the tutors who are fantastic motivators and excellent professionals.
My children have also attended the on-line centre that is as superb as the in-person one.
The approach all the mentors take is very engaging and children love it. It is fabulous!’