Ensembles and groups

The NTU Choir welcomes singers of all abilities and is our largest ensemble with around 150 members. There’s no audition to join and you don't need to be able to read music, so it’s ideal if you’re new to group singing. And, best of all, it's completely free for NTU students to join!

We learn and perform everything from Christmas carols to tunes from musical and films, epic choral works and contemporary pop songs.

From traditional and contemporary gospel, our friendly and relaxed Gospel Choir loves to sing and perform new music together. You don't need to be able to read music or have previous singing experience to get involved and have fun, and there's no audition!

Our award-winning Chamber Choir will help you take your singing skills to the next level. As an experienced singer, you'll learn to perform a wide variety of music – from baroque to contemporary – in a close-knit ensemble that feels like family.

In 2018 our Chamber Choir won a silver medal at the World Choir Games in Tshwane, South Africa.

If you're looking to play swing and jazz as part of a large and friendly ensemble, our Big Band is the ideal fit! Led by East Midlands-based musician Pete Wraight, you'll meet weekly to learn new pieces and practise those already in the band's repertoire.

The NTU Brass Band started small. It began in 2013 as a quintet, but has bloomed into a thriving ensemble that's played around the UK; including winning awards at the world's only university brass band competition – Unibrass. Our brass band is led by NTU's brass tutor and renowned trombonist Peter Lacy.

Led by Director of Music, Matthew Hopkins, the Concert Band is a fun, friendly and relaxed ensemble who meet weekly to play movie scores, musical numbers and lots more.

Every now and then, we bring our ensembles together for something special. The NTU Concert Orchestra combines the talents of the NTU Concert Band and the NTU String Sinfonia.

We play at NTU concerts throughout the season, particularly at Christmas and the final performance of the year – our Summer Celebration.

If you're a member of either of these ensembles, you'll have the chance to be a part of the orchestra. There are no additional membership fees, or regular rehearsal times.

Led by percussionist Steve Barwell, our Drumline plays pieces for marching snare drums and bass drums. We draw from the playing styles of some of the world's best drumlines, including the Top Secret Drum Corps. You'll hone your technical skills, and be part of performances that will turn heads.

Drumline is split into two sessions – Tech Class and Performance.

If you want to perform in a string ensemble, our String Sinfonia, led by musician and violin tutor Rob Rosa, is a great chance to play in a group of enthusiastic musicians.

How do I get involved?

Sign up to the Band Development Programme

It all begins with the Band Book – a directory of all NTU students signed up to the Band Development Programme. This includes information about what instruments people play, and what styles and acts they like. Find musicians in the Band Book that you think sound good, rehearse a few times, and we’ll set you up to perform live within weeks.

We hold weekly Band Nights between 6 – 10 pm on Wednesdays at our Music Centre on City Campus. These involve meeting and rehearsing with potential bandmates, technical and songwriting support, and help with getting gigs and recording. At the start of the academic year look out for jam sessions too.

We run an annual Battle of the Bands in collaboration with Confetti that take place at Metronome – an outstanding live venue in Nottingham. Perform in front of a packed crowd and an industry panel for the chance to win recording time at Confetti's studios, A&R sessions with Denizen Music, and even sets at local music festivals.