North Shropshire Music has begun its 2026/27 season, with the North Shropshire Orchestra back to weekly rehearsals in the Musgrave Centre at Moreton Hall School.
The orchestra meets every Monday during term time from 5pm to 6pm. It is free to attend, open to players of any age at roughly Grade 1 standard or above, and there is no audition. Now in its 8th year, it draws players from across north Shropshire and the Welsh border, from school-age beginners through to adults returning to an instrument after a long gap.
The repertoire is broader than the word “orchestra” might suggest. Alongside classical works, players tackle arrangements of film scores and pop, and the group works towards at least two concerts a year.
Professional musicians direct rehearsals, with guest tutors running occasional workshops and masterclasses. The line-up shapes the programme rather than the other way round: depending on who joins each season, the team forms smaller affiliate groups such as a string orchestra or a jazz band.
“This is about giving local players somewhere welcoming to build their confidence and their ensemble skills, and to meet other musicians in the area,” said Amy Lott, Director of Music at Moreton Hall. “Some of our members have been with us for years, and others walked in for the first time last week. Both are equally welcome.”
To kick off the new season, North Shropshire Music is hosting a free Open Rehearsal on Monday, 14th September, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Anyone curious about joining is invited to stop by the Musgrave Centre at Moreton Hall to observe, ask questions, or bring their instrument and jump straight into the music.
Musicians are asked to register their interest at moretonhall.org/north-shropshire-music or simply arrive with their instrument on a Monday evening. For more information, contact Amy Lott on lotta@moretonhall.com.
