Ensembles
We refer to our central performance groups collectively as 'Ensembles' - these can be Orchestras, Bands, Choirs or Ensembles!
There are currently seven Bands, Orchestras and Ensembles which rehearse on saturday mornings and six Evening Groups - all run through our charity, The Leicester-Shire Music and Cultural Trust.
Information about each Ensemble, including grade level, rehearsal venue, rehearsal and performance dates etc, can be found here.
Information about Singing Opportunities and Choirs can be found here.
If you have not yet applied to join an ensemble, we may still have places available (subject to instrumental balance). Please click here for more information.
For more information about our Ensembles, please watch our short Ensembles video (to the right).
We also run a variety of after school activities in both the city and county.
Frequently Asked Ensemble Questions
Please click on a title below to access information
How much does it cost?
Subscription for the LSSO, Concert Orchestra, Wind Orchestra and Training Orchestra is £85.00 per term.
Subscription for the Strictly Strings Ensemble, Junior Concert Band, Steel Pan Ensemble, Big Band, Flute Choir, Senior Strings and Senior Percussion Ensemble is £46.00 per term.
A Saturday Transport service is available for members of Saturday Ensembles at a cost of £50.00 per term. Full details are available here.
Subscription information for After School Activities can be found on the relevant After School Activities page;
After School Activities - City
After School Activities - County
Parents / Carers will be invoiced termly by email, or by post if no email is provided. Invoices must be paid within 14 days.
Full Fee Remission Information
If you are currently in receipt of any of the following, your child will be eligible for 100% remission for membership & transport fees. Proof of receipt of benefits MUST BE RECEIVED BY LSMS, in order for the remission to be applied.
Universal Credit (if your household income is less than £16,190 per year) (Please provide a copy of your Universal Credit Statement from the HM Revenue and Pensions (all pages) which confirms your entitlement to Universal Credit).
Income Support or Pension Credit (Guarantee element) - (A recent letter from the Department for Work and Pensions to show your entitlement).
Income Based Job Seekers Allowance - (A copy of your letter from the Department for Work and Pensions or your local Job Centre (all pages confirming your entitlement).
Child Tax Credit (if your household income is less than £16,190 per year and whether or not in receipt of Working Tax Credit) (Please provide Form TC602 from the HM Revenue and Pensions (all pages) which confirms your entitlement to Child Tax Credit
Support under the Asylum and Immigration Act. (Please provide documents from the National Asylum Seekers Support Service to prove that you are receiving support as an Asylum Seeker).
When you are asked to register your child as a member of an ensemble, please email a scan of the relevant documents to lsms@leics.gov.uk or post a copy to LSMS, Block J, Eastern Annexe, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8SA.
We will also accept evidence of Pupil Premium from your childs' school.
Without Proof of entitlement, we are unable to apply a discount.
Can I Hire an Instrument?
Endangered Species Instrument Discount
Do you play one of the instruments below?
Viola
Double Bass
French Horn
Trombone
Tuba
Oboe
Bassoon
For all new pupils playing one of these instruments, the first term of ensemble membership is free followed by 50% subsidy for the rest of the academic year – this also includes the free hire of an instrument for the entire time you are a member of one of our ensembles.
NB - This discount does not apply to Transport fees.
Why not take up the Bassoon?
Watch our short film below for more information
