melbournefestival.co.uk

‘The Melbourne Festival is eagerly awaited by local people and visitors from far afield, it has established itself as the highlight of South Derbyshire’s cultural calendar ... The Festival is always a great chance for local people to see some great events within walking distance of home and no parking fees for drivers! This year we will spread the concerts performances and talks over six weekends so that people can fit in more events.’ Held September - October.

www.southderbyshiremusic.org

'We provide opportunities for players of all orchestral and band instruments, and for singers, to make music together in a friendly, purposeful atmosphere. The Centre has a team of qualified music teachers, most of whom are accredited to the Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership.’

www.achoird-taste.co.uk

'We are a mixed choir of approximately seventy members, two thirds female, one third male. We are very friendly and welcoming. Our repertoire is eclectic. It ranges from Abba to Opera, Handel to Leonard Cohen. Our inaugural concert in Spring 2010 sold out to a local audience. We have subsequently performed many times during the Melbourne Arts Festival and we also have regular concerts throughout the year. Our Christmas concerts include an opportunity for the audience to "join in".' ALERT Website not accessible at Review; cf Facebook Public Group Page.

www.cantabilechoir.co.uk

‘A mixed-voice choir based in South Derbyshire ... The choir has a varied repertoire ranging from the standard choral classics through to lighter, close-harmony pieces. From time-to-time the choir shares the concert platform with professional guest soloists or instrumental ensembles ... There are no formal auditions for the choir, but potential new members are invited to take part in two rehearsals, sitting alongside one of our members. During this period, we will be able to ascertain the extent to which your voice blends with the rest, and also what contribution you are able to make to the whole.’

www.melbournemalevoicechoir.org

‘One of the East Midlands' premier choirs. The Choir varies in size between 20 to 50 members and currently stands more than 30, but there can never be too many and we are always looking for new recruits. The audition process is very strict and lengthy and very few make it. Not true! The Musical Director will shut you both into the audition room (i.e. the kitchen) and ask you to sing a few lines and notes to gauge your natural range. Are you a Bass or a Baritone, a Second Tenor or a Top Tenor? There's only one way to find out. And there's tea, coffee and biscuits at half time. A warm welcome awaits you.’

www.melbourneoperaticsociety.com

‘Has between 30 and 40 members drawn from Melbourne, Castle Donington and the surrounding area ... Our main event of the year is the performance of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera in March / April ... We also stage concert work, performing our own concerts in Melbourne and Castle Donington, usually in June / July and at Christmas. We can also provide concerts for other organisations in the area.’

www.mtb-brassband.co.uk

‘A friendly non-contesting community based brass band organisation ... Aside from the main band, our organisation consists of three further groups including a Training Band, a Beginners' Band and Drum Corps. The various bands put on many concerts each year in Melbourne and the neighbouring areas, consisting of a wide repetoire of popular music. Regardless of whether you've only just started playing, or have many years of experience, we have a band for you!’