My experience with University Music
There are so many different ways to get involved with music, especially with the Music Society.
Having played the flute for several years I wasn’t sure whether I would be able to continue at university, however, I found that at the University of Birmingham, there are so many different ways to get involved with music, especially with the University of Birmingham Music Society.
The University of Birmingham Music Society is one of the oldest societies at the university. It consists of two full-sized orchestras and has over a dozen different ensembles students can join that are both auditioned and unauditioned. Additionally, joining these ensembles isn’t super expensive with students paying a one-time fee of £20 each academic year that allows you to get involved in all different music ensembles that range from the String Orchestra and Samba Band to the Flute Choir which I chose to join.
For more information on the different ensembles I recommend checking out the University of Birmingham Music Society’s website.
I joined the Flute Choir in my first year of university in the second semester despite worrying one could only join a music ensemble at the start of the school year, however, after emailing I was able to join a few weeks into the second semester. I recommend always reaching out to the music ensemble if unsure about joining with the contact information often available on the Music Society website, as most of the time it is never too late to get involved with music in some way or another.
I chose to join the Flute Choir as I wanted to keep my flute skills up and was aware that I was slightly rusty having not played for several months, however despite being nervous to join a bit into the second semester I found everyone to be super welcoming and friendly. The group met every Wednesday where we practised for an hour and a half with a student conductor, and whilst I was initially worried the ensemble would be very intimidating and strict I found this to be the opposite case where the vibe was focused but also relaxed and sociable.
After practising pieces from the Holberg Suite, Op.40 by Edvard Grieg for many weeks in March we were able to perform and showcase our hard work in the concert hall in the Bramall Music Building by the Aston Webb. Whilst it was very much nerve-wracking to perform on stage, it was a really amazing experience to do so in front of my friends and family who had travelled up to see me and show them what the hours of practice had been working towards.
During my time in the Flute Choir, the ensemble also hosted a handful of socials outside of rehearsals at Joe's Bar including post-performance drinks celebrations and I was able to make friends with people outside of my course and year. The University Music Society itself also runs socials, the most notable being the Music Ball that was held in early May this year at Edgbaston Stadium where one dresses up and enjoys the night with their friends from all the different music ensembles.
Overall, my experience with University Music and the Flute Choir was a positive one and whilst I was unable to join the Flute choir again this year due to a schedule clash I hope to get more involved with music at the university again next year and would definitely recommend to anyone interested in music.