Faculty of HumsSocSci

Music and Music Technology

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Performance opportunities at Keele University

Performance opportunities at Keele University - The Keele Philharmonic Society, to which music students are encouraged to belong, was set up in 1988 and now incorporates the Keele Philharmonic Orchestra and affiliated members such as the Keele Concert Band, Keele Bach Choir and Keele Recorder Ensemble. Students can also join the Keele Big Band and other ad hoc groups. The Keele Philharmonic Society perform a programme of concerts throughout the year. The Concert Band and Bach Choir have weekly rehearsals in Lindsay Studio Theatre and in the Chapel, both venues on Campus.

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Keele Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir, or KPOC, is Keele University's largest musical society and Keele Students Union's Society of The Year 2005. Founded in 1987 by Keele's Music Department, in 1995 the orchestra and choir became an independent body, run by a joint student committee with Tom Hammond as the current conductor. There has long been a tradition of the orchestra's summer tours which have impressed audiences in Switzerland, Ireland, France, Austria and Scotland.

Keele Philharmonic Choir provides an excellent singing opportunity for all members of Keele University and the surrounding area. The choir performs three concerts a year including a joint one with the Keele Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Keele Chapel Singers is an all-denominational medium-sized chamber choir which sings a wide range of music, performs three concerts a year in the University Chapel and usually competes in a local music competition at the end of October.

Keele Bach Choir was founded in 1975 and has 30-40 auditioned members from the University and the local area, under the musical and artistic direction of Matthew Willis. Its aim is to be a well-balanced choir with good sound and a high standard of performance, and new singers committed to these ideals will be warmly welcomed. Recent programmes included music by composers ranging from Bach to Richard Rodney Bennett, with the highlight the collaboration with the area’s finest music groups for a performance of Berlioz’ Grande Messe des Morts. More info on The Keele Bach Choir available here.

The Chapel Choir rehearses in the University Chapel and sings at the services on Sunday mornings. Highlights of the year's activities are a Christmas Carol Service, a summer concert and occasional Cathedral visits.

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The Keele Concert Band has established itself as one of the top university concert bands in the country and prides itself in being totally student run and open, without audition, to any student who plays an instrument. Numerous events take place throughout the year, including Christmas and Spring concerts, a performance by the lakes every summer on Results Day, and participation to national concert band festivals.

Keele Lunchtime Concert Series takes place weekly, usually in the University Chapel. Music students and non-music students can perform all kind of music in a warm, relaxed atmosphere for players and audience. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and munchies available.

Music Technology concerts/events: organised by Music Technology students, these events take place in Lindsay Studio Theatre using the Keele Audio Visual Exhibition System (KAVES), a 24-loudspeaker sound projection system plus large projection screen. They are official Music events, open to the campus community, showcasing the best Sonic Art and Video works produced by Music Technology students as part of their coursework and assessment.

Other Electronic Music and Multimedia Performances can be organised independently by Music Technology students with or without the support of the School.

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