Ensembles |
Blowsoc runs 7 regularly rehearsing ensembles and also a Monster Wind Band around Christmas. From the auditioned Wind Orchestra and Moonlighters Big Band to the unauditioned small ensembles such as flute choir and double reeds, there's something for everyone. Click on an ensemble for more information.
Conductor Kieran O’Riordan Kieran is a professional conductor who has been working with Blowsoc for many years. Every year his experience and knowledge of wind orchestra repertoire means that the ensemble can play a wide range of music to a high standard. |
Concerts Manager Hazel Terry Hi, I'm Hazel, a second year music student. I'm taking on the role of concerts manager for this year. My job is basically to organise all our concerts throughout the year and make sure they run smoothly. I also help select repertiore influenced by suggestions from the ensemble members, alongside the Conducter and Personel Manager. |
Personnel Manager Olly Martin mob: 07584083946 Hey, I'm Olly, a third year economics student and your Wind Orchestra Personnel Manager for this year. I play the sax and clarinet, and I'm basically responsible for making sure everyone turns up for wind orchestra rehearsals and concerts! |
Wind Orchestra
Our award-winning Wind Orchestra is Blowsoc’s main ensemble, and an excellent chance for more advanced players to get involved. We tackle a challenging but often exciting repertoire, from film scores to symphonic works. You’ll have to audition for a place, but there’s always a strong chance of getting one! The orchestra is good at the social side of things as well – there’s always a group of us in the student bar after rehearsals, plus a European tour during the Easter holidays!
To listen to a recording of Wind Orchestra in action at the National Concert Band Festival finals, please visit the Gallery.
Rehearsals
Wednesday 19:00-21:30 Rehearsal Hall, Music Department
Moons Manager Rosie Partington mob: 07753292530 Hi, I'm Rosie and I'm a second year English student. I play the trombone and I'm really excited about being Moons manager aka 'Moonager' next year. Moonlighters and Blowsoc made my first year at uni completely unforgettable and hopefully it will be the same for many of you. Together with my fab and rather dapper conductors I will be choosing the music, cracking the whip at rehearsals and generally making everything run as smoothly as the jazz we play. Look out for us at a venue (or most probably, THE venue) near you soon! |
Moons Conductor Tim Watkins mob: 07813084620 Hello everyone, my name is Tim and I’m a third year Classics student. I have been in Moons since my first year and this year I thought that I would take the plunge and become its conductor. Moons is the centre of my musical existence at university and it has proved, for me, to be the perfect place to get to grips with a both enjoyable, challenging and varied repertoire. I encourage anyone who is even remotely interested in the Big Band dynamic to audition as I’m sure it will give you, as it has given me, a wonderful opportunity to play some fantastic music and meet some even more fantastic people. Look forward to seeing you all next year. |
Moons Conductor Adam Mooney Hey, I'm Adam and I, like Tim, am a third year Classics student. My first year in Moonlighters last year allowed me to submerge myself in Jazz and Big Band, which I had barely touched upon previously. It's a great experience with a good social life and a very high standard of playing across a huge range of music, meaning the band sound fantastic. I too encourage all to audition, as I said my jazz skills were non-existent but you learn very quickly and Tim and I, who will be conducting Moons together, are looking for enthusiastic musicians who will put effort into the coming year. Don't hesitate to get in contact with questions, looking forward to seeing you all. |
Moonlighters auditions Jazz musicians who are interested in playing in a competitive and creative big band. Moonlighter's comprises Saxes, Trumpets, Trombones, Bass, Keyboard and all sorts of percussion. The band’s repertoire includes a wide variety of music, ranging from original big band pieces by Duke Ellington and Count Basie, to the funky tunes of the Average White Band and Jaco Pastorius. We are a paid Ensemble, regularly playing gigs from Society parties to weddings, and last year we recorded a 4-track demo of ourselves. Moonlighters takes on anything that gets your feet moving! We enjoy an active social life, this year touring Vienna and being the only band to drink at rehearsals! Don't hesitate - contact the manager and see if you can get involved!
Rehearsals
Monday 16:45-18:45 Rehearsal Hall - Music dept.
Brass Manager Matt Gibbins mob: 07851711293 Hi, I’m Matt, a second year Biochemistry student and trombonist. I truly believe brass is the best ensemble and, as manager, I’ll be doing my utmost to bring you great music and great socials. So if you play brass and want to make some good friends and have a great time, I encourage you to join us. |
Brass Conductor Matthew Smith mob: 07753127867 Hi, I'm Matthew, a third year muso, and I'll be conducting Brass again this year. It really is such an enjoyable ensemble with a social life to match its wonderful music making. We welcome all players of any kind of brass instrument so please do come along and give it a go, no matter what standard you're at. And suuuurely this will be another great year for Brass!! |
Assistant Conductor Jennifer Wilkinson mob: 07896475118 Hi I’m Jenny and I’m a second year music student. Although I will be in Canada for the first semester of this year I’m really excited to return and be assistant conductor of brass, as some of my best uni memories are with this ensemble. Let’s hope we can make it another year to remember! |
The award-winning Brass Ensemble is one of the biggest un-auditioned groups in Blowsoc and we welcome all players of brass, no matter what standard you are or what instrument you play. We play a vast range of music including original brass band material, film music, classical pieces arranged for brass as well funky pop numbers. If you happen to also be a student composer we would love to give you the opportunity to arrange a piece or compose your own for us to play. Many would say we are the most friendly and outgoing of ensembles, with regular socials and plenty of opportunities for beer and curry as only the brass know how.
Rehearsals
Every Tuesday 17:00-19:00, Rehearsal Hall - Music Dept.
Sax Manager Alice Billau mob: 07761086795 Hey I'm Alice. I'm a second year music student and I am looking forward to managing saxes this year. I have been a member of Blowsoc for a year and it is a great way to meet people and make new friends. So come along and have some fun! |
Sax Conductor Laura Luckhurst mob: 07745165801 Hi I'm Laura and I'm going into my third year studying music. I've been a member of Blowsoc in sax ensemble since my first year and have loved it. Saxes is a really fun, relaxed and friendly society and its a great opportunity to play some really good pieces whatever standard you are. I'd definitely recommend anyone getting involved with Blowsoc and particularly saxes if you are a saxophonist. Hope to see you at rehearsals! |
Sax Conductor Beccy Lucas mob: 07837184866 Hey I’m Beccy, a sax ensemble conductor for 09/10. I’m a second year music student and I play the sax and clarinet and attempt to play piano! I am very involved in the smaller ensembles in Blowsoc, and when I’m not in a rehearsal or a lecture I will probably be found in the music common room; a room which has definitely become my second home! As one of two sax conductors, along with Laura, I will ensure the rehearsals are fun and that we play well in our concerts. The smaller ensembles are a great way to meet new people, play music and have fun at the same time so why not come check us out! |
Open to players of all abilities, the unauditioned saxophone ensemble offers the perfect chance to perform some fun and exciting music. A diverse repertoire extends from celebrated classical pieces such as Karl Jenkins’ ‘Palladio’ to cheeky arrangements from fellow students. The weekly rehearsals take place in a friendly environment and along with regular socials, the saxes are a great way to meet fellow musicians and members of Blowsoc. There will be an opportunity to run for conductor or manager in the AGM in the final term.
Rehearsals
Every Wednesday 14.30-16:00, Rehearsal Hall- Music Dept.
Flute Manager Laura Kincaid mob: 07905851571 Hey, I'm Laura and I am your flute choir manager for this year! I am a 3rd year Geography student and have loved being a member of the truly amazing Blowsoc! I will be organising some exciting pieces for us to play and so If you like playing the flute, want to have some fun and meet some lovely people, then come along!! |
Flute Conductor Chris Hoggarth mob: 07588645467 Hey I'm Chris, I'm a second year music student and I'm looking forward to being conductor this year! Flute Choir is mint so if you play the flute you should definitely come along regardless of how good you are. See you next rehearsal! |
Assistant Conductor Libby Hadfield amyblnh@nottingham.ac.uk
mob: 07837968628 Hi! I'm Libby and I'm the assistant conductor for flute choir this year. I'm a third year music student and have been a member of flute choir for the last two years. It's been a great way to make new friends and to play fun pieces of music. I shall try my hardest to make it as enjoyable this year! |
Flute Choir is Blowsoc's largest unauditioned ensemble and welcomes players of all abilities including piccolo, alto and bass to come and join us. Its friendly atmosphere provides a great chance to get to know fellow musicians both in weekly rehearsals and on a variety of socials. Repertoire has included selections from the Sound of Music and this year will include works by Mozart and Delibes flower Duet from ‘Lakme’. There is opportunity every year to get more involved by running for manager and conductor so please come along and try it out!
Rehearsals
Every Wednesday 13:00-14:30, Rehearsal Hall- Music Dept
Clarinet Manager Beccy Lucas mob: 07837184866 Hey I’m Beccy, your clarinet ensemble manager for 09/10. I’m a second year music student and I play the sax and clarinet and attempt to play piano! I am very involved in the smaller ensembles in Blowsoc, and when I’m not in a rehearsal or a lecture I will probably be found in the music common room; a room which has definitely become my second home! As clarinet manager I will arrange socials, sort out concerts, make sure everyone feels welcome and buy new music, so if you have any particular music in mind please let me know. The smaller ensembles are a great way to meet new people, play music and have fun at the same time so why not come check us out! |
Clarinet Conductor Jono Read mob: 07975610666 Hey I'm Jono, One of your clarinet ensemble conductors. I like to get very involved with anything Blowsoc so hopefully you'll see me around as a clarinetist at least. I'm also a music student so I can always be found around the apartment doing not much except perhaps training for the next blowsoc/ mussoc football match. This year we're looking to arrange some new works for clarinets for the final term concert so any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Anywhos, looking forward to seeing any and all clarinetists at the next rehearsal! |
Assistant Conductor Elizabeth Charlesworth mob: 07814695659 Hello I'm Libby (also known as Sybil) and I am your assitant clarinet conductor! I'm a second year music student and I play the clarinet and piano, and my karaoke skills are second to none! Remember, say it once, say it loud, I'm blowsoc and I'm proud! |
The Clarinet Ensemble is an unauditioned ensemble open to clarinettists of all abilities. We play a wide range of music and this year's repertoire will include 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' and 'Puttin' on the Ritz', along with some more classical pieces. So whatever your taste there is something for you!
Every year a new manager and new conductors are voted in, giving you the opportunity to get more involved. We have a number of socials and concert performances throughout the year; we're a friendly group so come and join us!
Rehearsals
Every Wednesday 16:00-17:30, Rehearsal Hall- Music Dept.
Double Reeds Manager Elliot Mintz mob: 07810007300 Hi, I'm Elliot a second year philosophy student and double reeds manager for this year. I hope to be able to arrange lots of fun stuff for us to do, as well as organising some great music for us to play. If you enjoy playing double reeds instruments come join us, all abilities are welcome, above all this group is about having some fun. Hope to have you on board! |
Double Reeds Conductor Peter Cleeves mob: 07815595828 Hello! I’m Peter and I’m a Second Year Chemist. I’m also a Bassoonist, which should come in handy as I’m the Double Reed Ensemble’s Conductor for this year. Despite doing a Science degree, I seem to spend an inordinate amount of time in the Music Department- it’s become a home from home of sorts! Don’t be shy, music student or not, so long as you play a double reed instrument, feel free to join our ensemble for a great year’s music making! |
ALERTING ALL DOUBLE REEDERS to DOUBLE REED ENSEMBLE! Rehearsals take place in a relaxed and friendly environment, great for making friends, visits to the pub and meals out with other ensembles!
Music has included Vivaldi, Japanese film music and compositions by our very own! We welcome arrangements/compositions/music suggestions and there are opportunities to manage and conduct the ensemble each year. Non-auditioned and lots of fun for beginners and advanced alike!
Rehearsals
Every Wednesday 14:30-16:00, Chamber Music Room, Music Dept
Every year, Blowsoc forms a Monster Wind Band to raise the roof at our annual Christmas Extravaganza. Rehearsals usually start a couple of weeks before the Extravaganza at the end of the Autumn semester. We play fun Christmassy music, usually Sleigh Ride and the ever popular Christmas Festival! The ensemble is unauditioned and open to all members of Blowsoc so get involved! This year we will also be reopening Monster Wind Orchestra for the summer festival - One final celebration for everyone to join in with.
