Performance Groups
The musical ensembles at Queen’s are as varied as those who play in them. Don’t see what you want below? Contact Amanda Kirkpatrick (a.kirkpatrick@qub.ac.uk) or Queen’s Music Society for information on how to start a new ensemble.
We are excited to re-start rehearsals after a hiatus but note that some ensembles may re-start sooner than others. Please make contact using the information below so that we can hit the ground running. [Information correct as of 2 September 2021]

Dear Trumpet, Trombone, Sax Player, Bass Guitarist, Rhythm Guitarist, Drummer or jazz Pianist! QUB Big Band is getting back together after the enforced silence brought about by Covid. The Big Band is a forum for amateur jazz players, in the University and beyond, who want to explore the big band repertoire under the expert direction of Mr Steve Barnett, former Ulster Orchestra trombone and himself a well-known jazz pianist in Northern Ireland.
Rehearsals: Monday from 6.30 to 8.30 pm (please be seated by 6.30) in the Harty Room, Music Building, University Square. First rehearsal Monday 4th Oct. Admission is by ‘availability' as numbers are restricted. Learners are welcome, but regular attendance is needed to take part in gigs. Please come wearing a face covering. QUB Big Band normally gives a winter and a spring concert. However, concert plans for this winter are on hold, pending the re-starting process.

This is a chamber choir for enthusiastic singers whose membership is drawn from throughout the University and the local community. Students from any department, academic and general staff members are welcome in this group. Anyone interested in QUB Chamber choir is welcome to attend a rehearsal without obligation and chat with the director afterward.
Director - Donal McCrisken, Enquiry contact: Amanda Kirkpatrick a.kirkpatrick@qub.ac.uk. Rehearsals; Wednesdays, 1.30 - 2.45, Harty Room - First rehearsal Wednesday 29th September 2021

As a student-run orchestra QUSO aims to perform challenging works to a high standard. Highlights of previous years including symphonies by Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Brahms and Dvořák.
Rehearsals Tues, 5.45–8.45pm, Harty Room: Auditions: As necessary - contact the orchestra: Website: https://www.facebook.com/qusoqub/: Committee contact: quso@qub.ac.uk

Queen’s Viol Consort was formed about 30 years ago. Students, staff, and the general public with interests in early music are welcome to join. No previous experience of string instruments is required.
Sessions to be confirmed: School Contact Prof. Yo Tomita, y.tomita@qub.ac.uk:

The University Choir encourages all singers from across campus, including staff and students as well as members of the public to come along and perform in a large group, regardless of any previous experience. We perform pieces from a large variety of genres and usually give two concerts each academic year.
Rehearsals tbc: Auditions: No audition necessary: Please contact the Music Society to confirm times and dates

HIVE is a vocal ensemble that composes and performs new music. The group explores verbal notation, graphic scores and site-specific performance, with regular events in Belfast.
Rehearsals Tuesdays, 6.00pm, Sonic Lab: Contact: Dr John D’Arcy j.darcy@qub.ac.uk

Organised by Queen’s Music Society. A traditional music group, open students at all levels.
Organised by Queen’s Music Society. A traditional music group, open students at all levels. Rehearsals tbc, Music Building: Contact: to be confirmed. In the meantime, contact Amanda Kirkpatrick if interested a.kirkpatrick@qub.ac.uk

Organised by Queen’s Music Society. For those who like to sing unaccompanied close harmony. Director tbc: Rehersals tbc: For further information, keep in touch with QMS on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/QueensMusicSociety/
Director tbc: Rehersals tbc: For further information, keep in touch with QMS on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/QueensMusicSociety/:

FLOW is a freeform improvisatory group for all performers (instruments, voices, dancers, visual artists, story-tellers…)
Rehearsals TBC Please contact Queen's Music Society

hosted by the Ethnomusicology programme of the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics. Gamelan refers to an ensemble of mostly percussive instruments, including xylophones and gongs, originating from Indonesia. Playing Gamelan provides an opportunity to learn how music is practised outside the Western world, including basic Balinese music theory and notation (based on numbers).
Learning gamelan is a flexible and relaxing experience, where students are able to choose and switch instruments based on their interest and ability. Anyone wanting to explore this alternative form of music is invited to join, and absolutely no prior musical experience is required. This group will launch in Spring 2022

QUBe is a collective of students, staff and other musicians who play experimental and improvised music on any instruments, stimulated by graphic scores, game pieces, and free improvisation. This group is on hiatus for the academic year 2021-22
Director; Simon Waters For updates, register your interest with Amanda Kirkpatrick: a.kirkpatrick@qub.ac.uk

This group involves engaging with music from the communities of Northern Ireland. Beginning with the rudimentary aspects of drumming, the Northern Ireland Percussion Ensemble will take participants through the various stylistic nuances of drumming, and how these styles often correlate with various genres of traditional musics in Northern Ireland.
This group will launch in Spring 2022 facilitated by Ray Casserly
The djembe is a West African drum played with bare hands. Learning to play it provides an opportunity to learn more about West African music and its role in dance and stories. We are currently gauging
This group is on hold until further notice


Providing music activities for aspiring young musicians from ages 4 - 17. Activities include children's choir, brass band, instrument tuition, and creative music technology
Find out more about JAM