Medway Music Association
Celebrating 78 Years of Excellent Music Services for Medway Pupils
Saturday Music Centre
We could not be more excited to announce the re-opening of our
'in person' Saturday Music Centre in September 2021!
Whilst our successful Online Music Centre has been an absolute joy in these difficult times, we cannot wait to get playing and singing with you in person.
We would love you to get involved and everything you need should be covered on this page.
Who can get involved
Children and young adults aged 7 to 18 who would like to learn an instrument, play an instrument already and also for those who love to sing.
For anyone aged under 7 who is interested in attending the Saturday Music Centre, please could the parent/carer contact us before sending in a registration form.
Where, When and Costs
Sixth Form Block - Rainham Mark Grammar School
Pump Lane, Rainham, Gillingham ME8 7AJ
Sessions are run on Saturdays between 9.30am and 2.30pm – TERM TIME ONLY. Please see list of term dates on the right.
Membership to the Music Centre costs £15 per student per academic year. This is payable either in full or three instalments of £5. Your first session is free.
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 Director of MMA, Derek Blease at office@medwaymusicassociation.co.uk in order to be considered for bursary support.
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.
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.
Descriptions
Have a Bash – A chance to play your instrument and 'have a bash' through lots of different styles of music in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. All instruments welcome.
Have a Bash : Group 1 - Grade 1 to Grade 3 standard
Have a Bash : Group 2 - Grade 4 standard and above
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
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.
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.
Fife Group – A cross between the recorder and flute, the fife is a wind instrument perfect for beginners. No prior experience necessary.
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.
Choir – A chance to have a good sing-along to a wide variety of songs. All are welcome.
Music Appreciation (listening group) – A chance to relax and enjoy listening to a range of music from different genres. All are welcome.
Theory – Improve your music theory knowledge in a relaxed and approachable way. You can work towards theory exams should you wish.
Theory : Group 1 - Grade 1 to Grade 3 standard
Theory : Group 2 - Grade 4 standard and above
Instrumental Ensembles – Looking at different musical genres with opportunities for listening, composing and performing.
Instrumental Ensemble : Group 1 - Beginners to Grade 1 standard
Instrumental Ensemble : Group 2 - Grade 2 to Grade 4 standard
Medway Jazz Band – A fun ensemble for playing jazzy tunes, learning about jazz rhythms, how to improvise, compose and more. Any instruments welcome. For beginners as well as more experienced players.
Medway String Ensemble – For orchestral string players who are Grade 2 standard and above.
Medway Wind Band – For woodwind, brass and percussion players who are Grade 2 standard and above. Double bass and bass guitar players also welcome.
Medway Youth Orchestra – For orchestral instrumentalists who are Grade 4 standard and above.
How to get involved
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.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@medwaymusicassociation.co.uk
Sign up
To get involved please complete and return the Registration Form linked below.
Term dates 2021/22
Term 1
25th September
2nd October
Please note, there is no Music Centre on 9th October due to the School’s Open Day.
16th October
Term 2
6th November
13th November
20th November
27th November
4th December
11th December
Term 3
8th January
15th January
22nd January
29th January
5th February
Term 4
26th February
5th March
12th March
19th March
26th March
Term 5
23rd April
30th April
7th May
14th May
21st May
Term 6
11th June
18th June
25th June
2nd July
9th July
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!’
Sign up
To get involved please complete and return the Registration Form linked below.