Who can join a Wessex Music ensemble?
Anyone under the age of 19 can join a Wessex Music ensemble. You do not have to attend a Wessex MAT school.
When do the Wessex Music ensembles run?
The Wessex Music ensembles operate for approximately ten weeks every term. The dates of the sessions are published in advance of the start of each term.
Here is the timetable for the Wessex Music ensembles from Sept 2023:
Wednesday
Music Night @ Thomas Hardye School
4pm - 4.50pm Stringalings (Training Strings) (Grade 0-2)
4pm - 4.50pm Bandamonium (Training Windband) (Grade 0-2)
5pm - 5.50pm Dorchester Children's Orchestra (approx Grade 2+)
Thursday
3:45 - 4:30pm Skylarks Choir (Years 2-4) @ Prince of Wales First School
Friday
4pm - 4.50pm Nightingales Choir (Years 5-8) @ Thomas Hardye School
Here is the timetable for the Wessex Music ensembles from Sept 2023:
Wednesday
Music Night @ Thomas Hardye School
4pm - 4.50pm Stringalings (Training Strings) (Grade 0-2)
4pm - 4.50pm Bandamonium (Training Windband) (Grade 0-2)
5pm - 5.50pm Dorchester Children's Orchestra (approx Grade 2+)
Thursday
3:45 - 4:30pm Skylarks Choir (Years 2-4) @ Prince of Wales First School
Friday
4pm - 4.50pm Nightingales Choir (Years 5-8) @ Thomas Hardye School
| Wessex Schools Music Ensembles 2025-26 |
How much does it cost?
Fees are charged termly per student by Wessex Music. There is one set price for each session that you attend irrespective of the length of each session.
The fees for 2025-26 are as follows:
£40 per term
If a student joins at a half term point, they will be charged a proportion of the fees.
Students in receipt of 'Pupil Premium Funding' (means tested Free school meals) may attend any number or our ensembles free of charge. Please tick the relevant box on the application form.
Our aim is that all children can access our ensembles, without being inhibited by financial constrictions. If your son/daughter does not receive pupil premium funding, but you will struggle to pay the full amount to join an ensemble, then Wessex Music does have funding options which we can consider. Please contact us directly if this is the case to confidentially explain your situation. Each application will be considered independently.
The fees for 2025-26 are as follows:
£40 per term
If a student joins at a half term point, they will be charged a proportion of the fees.
Students in receipt of 'Pupil Premium Funding' (means tested Free school meals) may attend any number or our ensembles free of charge. Please tick the relevant box on the application form.
Our aim is that all children can access our ensembles, without being inhibited by financial constrictions. If your son/daughter does not receive pupil premium funding, but you will struggle to pay the full amount to join an ensemble, then Wessex Music does have funding options which we can consider. Please contact us directly if this is the case to confidentially explain your situation. Each application will be considered independently.
Will I get to perform?
Yes! Wessex Music normally organises two big concerts or performance opportunities per year for the Wessex Music ensembles to perform in; One at Christmas and one in the summer. You will also have other opportunities to perform at smaller events and festivals throughout the year.
How do I apply?
Please click on the 'apply for ensembles' tab above. You will then be able to complete our online application form. You will be contacted within two weeks (except for during school holiday periods) to confirm that your application has been received.
