www.encoremusicprojects.com

The course is for piano,strings,guitar,composition chamber ensembles and voice, and is especially designed for intermediate and advanced students. Expert tuition and guidance will focus on the development of technique, musical styles and interpretation, stage performance and presentation, competition and audition preparation. There will be opportunities to explore new as well as current repertoire.' Held Late July.

www.wellscathedral.org.uk/music-the-choir/new-music-wells/

'Founded in 2008 ... this innovative festival is a retrospective of sacred choral and organ music of the previous forty years during all services, together with world premiere performances by Wells Cathedral Choir and organists of music by internationally renowned composers, local composers, and composition students from Wells Cathedral School. There are also concerts and a public masterclass with the featured composer of the year.' Held Mid October.

www.castlecarychoir.org

Founded 1965: ‘We are a mixed voice ensemble of about 60 voices, and our repertoire encompasses a variety of musical styles including sacred and secular, folk, spiritual and modern ... Concerts are given to support any body or organisation wishing to benefit from the raising of funds ... The choir has sung at hundreds of concerts and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity ... We are non auditioned and members pay a modest annual subscription A friendly welcome and an atmosphere of enjoyment in singing is guaranteed’.

www.midsomersetorchestra.co.uk

'Founded in 1973 and performs regularly in Street and Wells. From the player’s point of view, the aim is to give local amateur orchestral musicians of a high standard the opportunity to rehearse together, and to take part in four concerts during the year. From the music-lover’s point of view, we aim to give good performances of the classics for the enjoyment of the residents of this part of the country. For many years now, the orchestra has actively encouraged the support of young people by specially low-priced tickets.'

www.wellscathedral.org.uk/music-the-choir/music-and-the-choir/

'Hailed in 2011 by an international jury from Gramophone Magazine as the greatest choir with children in the world, and the sixth greatest overall. The choir celebrated its 1100th birthday in 2009: boys first sang at Wells Cathedral in 909 and the full choral tradition dates back over 800 years. In 1994 the choral foundation at Wells was enriched by the addition of girl choristers ... The Vicars Choral are the men of the Cathedral Choir. They are not in holy orders; the word "vicar" comes from "vice" and simply means a deputy (as in vice-president) ... Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir was formed in 1986 to sing services in the cathedral when the professional choir was on holiday or performing elsewhere. It is an amateur, mixed voice choir trained to sing liturgical music, although it does occasional other music ... Every summer we spend a week in residence at another cathedral.'

wcos.org.uk

‘Founded in 1896, performs major works from the choral repertory with some of the country’s leading soloists and orchestral ensembles. With around 160 voices the society gives three concerts a year ... normally in early November, December (an annual performance of Handel’s MESSIAH) and late March.’

wellscityband.wordpress.com

'A friendly and warm group of amateur brass musicians, serving the Central Somerset area by providing concerts, marches and live brass band music for indoor and outdoor events ... The Band also has a thriving Training Band for aspiring brass musicians of all ages and abilities.'