Get involved with Music at Queen's!
From choirs, orchestras, musical theatre, trad sessions and more, at Queen's you'll find that there's something for everyone with a musical bone in their body!
With so many promising Post Malones and budding Beethoven’s out there, Queen’s is full of music! Whether this be from the music students themselves or from the busy medicine students who relax with a singsong in the choir.
If this isn’t you however and you would like it to be, you might be asking just how can you get involved with music at Queen’s. Well, the most obvious answer is, join a society!
Join a society
If it’s one thing Queen’s has it is a plethora of it's music societies! These include the Musical Theatre Society, Choral and Singing Society, the Electronic Music Society and of course the best of all (not that I’m biased), the Music Society! As a member of the music society, I am very enthusiastic about all the different groups and ensembles, as well as social nights the music society offers. From trad music to choral singing there is so much to get involved with!
Sing your heart out
Speaking of choral singing, there are countless opportunities for singers! Regardless of genre, there is something for you. Singers can perform classical music at chamber choir, renaissance music at consort choir or for those who just love a sing song, they can come along to QUB Choir. With Christmas coming up, it has been such a busy time for those involved in music and both the QUB choir and chamber choir have just had very successful Christmas concerts.
The chamber choir (QCC) led by Donal McCrisken.
When speaking about QCC Donal stresses that “vocal and choral training are at the heart of the Chamber Choir’s ethos”.
Alternatively, for those who aren’t so serious about singing, there is QUB Choir which I lead! It is a fun, inclusive choir that aims to give students both performance opportunities to boost confidence as well as an enjoyable place to socialise and met new people!
Get into Renaissance Music
Finally, we have the consort choir who specialise in singing renaissance music. This is led by PHD student Matthew Greer. Consort member Ellen McDonald describes the choir as a
“vocal group which focuses mainly on sacred choral music, with some contemporary choral music and jazz sprinkled in too!” Consort welcome members of all abilities and their rehearsals often contain “some great singing, snacks and lots of laughs”.
Are you a triple threat?
For some of you however, singing may not be your only talent? If this is you, fear not! For those triple threats among us, there is also Queen's Musical Theatre Society (QMTS) where members not only get to sing, but also dance and act.
Speaking to member Amy Smith who describes QMTS as
“an inclusive society that engages in many events throughout the year whether that be performances, competitions or social events”.
As an onlooker to this society, I have to say they are so active, from nights out to mini musicals they never stop!
The most recent mini musicals where they performed songs from the Adams family, the Prom and many more.
Do you play an instrument?
Finally, for those instrumentalists among us, there are several opportunities for you too! Within the music society, there is QUB Trad who perform multiple times a year and are known as a teaching group as well.
Led by Brendan Kerr they perform traditional Irish music. Member Marie-Therese describes trad group as “a family, in which she has found some of her best friends”. QUB trad welcomes all levels of ability and strive to keep the love of traditional Irish music going!
Jazz hands, anyone?
Then, for those who prefer a bit of Jazz there is also Queen’s big band led by Steve Barnett. This is an amazing group of musicians who play some pretty difficult pieces of music, really showcasing sight reading skills. Member Caitlin Schaffer who only recently joined said she could not have had a more welcoming experience. She agrees that the music is difficult but ultimately finds it a really rewarding experience and a great way to meet more people as most rehearsals often end in the pub!
Could you be part of the orchestra?
Finally, there is Queen’s University Symphony Orchestra (QUSO). This is a separate society which is student led and performs twice a year. They welcome any orchestral instrument and are quite a social society too, offering lots of opportunities to get to know fellow students, whether that be on orchestra tours or in the pub after rehearsal!
Clubs and Societies are a great way to meet new people!
There's something for everyone!
That’s what I think music at Queen’s is all about, having a wee bit of fun, taking your mind off your degree and socialising with people with similar interests. If you want to find out about any of the groups I’ve talked about, please check out their social media. Remember, music is for everyone, so don’t hesitate to join in!
Find out more
Hannah WassonMusic | Undergraduate Student | Northern IrelandHi, I'm Hannah, a third year BMus student originally from Derry/Londonderry. I am a classical musician, playing both oboe and piano. Music is a big part of my life being not only my degree but also my hobby. As a keen member of the music society, I take QUB choir and love attending all the societies karaoke nights! When I'm not participating in some music related activity you can find me in one of Belfast's many coffee shops or curled up with a good book! |
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