Welcome to the Mile End Music Society!
The Mile End Music Society is open to all musicians studying or working at QMUL, of all abilities! We offer a range of ensembles (details below!) covering many genres from Jazz to Classical, Rock to Choral, or A capella to Blues; there's something for everyone! Our groups rehearse on a weekly basis, typically in the evening, with large concerts at Christmas and Easter and plenty of smaller performances throughout the year.
The Committee
President: Archie Lloyd
Vice-President: Layla White
Treasurer: Danu Webb
Welfare Rep and Wind Band Manager: Rene Kande
A Cappella Manager: Dheena Jayadeep
Band Managers: Andres Sangiorgi and Sai Kartikeya
Choir Manager: Marion Mah
Jazz Manager: Rose Carcaillet
Orchestra Managers: Isabelle Kahraman and Madhura Sivakumar
Our Groups
A Cappella - Wednesdays, 18:30-20:30.
Do you sing in the shower when no one is listening? Do you like listening to all the different parts of a song? Do you have a compulsive need to harmonise when you listen to the radio? If this sounds like you then you should come and check out acapella! We hold weekly rehearsals where we have both arranged and performed songs such as Movement by Hozier, Some Nights by Fun and Blinded By Your Grace by Stormzy. This year we are looking forward to performing at events such as Sound of Ground and an end-of-year concert! We can’t wait to meet you all in September.
NOTE: A Capella is the only section that requires an audition. Unfortunately, this means you can't join mid-semester, but there will be more auditions at the start of each semester.
Bands - Mondays, LG04* + LG02*, 18:30-20:30.
This is a place for any musicians who want to meet other students and come to weekly jam sessions where anyone can jump in and play with like-minded musicians. Bands can provide an opportunity to form a group and play to live audiences! Over the next academic year, we will be holding a number of gigs, performances, and socials for musicians of all abilities. Students will have the opportunity to perform in Battle of the Bands, pub performances, and themed concerts throughout each semester. QM Bands is open to students of all levels of experience and musical preferences.
Choir - Tuesdays, Skeel Lecture Theatre**, 18:00-20:00.
Our choir has grown, tackling a wide variety of repertoire, ranging from Les Miserables to Rossini's Stabat Mater. New members are always welcome, with no auditions!
Jazz - Wednesdays, People's Palace Foyer, 18:30-20:30.
Jazz at MEMS is the structure of a classic big band and explores a variety of repertoire and styles from across the jazz spectrum; welcoming players of any standard. In the past few years, we have held many successful gigs across campus and we are eager to continue to bring music to the QMUL community's life. Directed by former National Youth Jazz Orchestra Member Harry Evans, we are in very capable hands to play some excellent music. We're excited to have you join us this year!
QMBL Orchestra/Wind Band - Mondays, People's Palace Foyer, 18:00-20:45
The orchestra in MEMS is a very welcoming and open space to play orchestral music together. Players of all levels are welcome, with no auditions required, so just rock up with your instrument and we'll find you a part to play! Previous year's repertoire has included Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, Grieg's Holberg Suite, Saint-Saens Danse Macabre, Brahms Symphony No. 1, and a multitude of film music. This year, we are hoping to play music from Hamilton as well as some popular composers like Schubert and Hisashi.
As of January 2023, we also offer a Wind Band which rehearses at the same time as the Orchestra (during this time the strings are welcome to play with the BL orchestra and then everyone comes together for the full orchestra rehearsal). Last year was a great success, playing music from "How to Train Your Dragon", marches and popular songs like "Final Countdown". This year we are hoping to have another excellent year. All wind players welcome including saxophones!
Each section (except A Cappella) runs on an open-door policy. You're welcome to join anytime during the semester!
*Basement Rooms in the People's Palace
**Make sure to check WhatsApp groups for updated rehearsal locations.
Music Facilities
Practice Rooms
https://qmul.libcal.com/spaces?lid=2674&gid=5476
*Please note: You MUST be a Music Society member of Mile End or Barts to use Practice rooms*
The University is in charge of the practice rooms available on campus:
LG02 - Digital Piano,Mics, Amps, Drum Kit, Acoustic Guitars.
LG04 - Drum Kit, Acoustic Piano, Range of Amps, Electric Guitars, Bass Guitars, Mics.
1st Floor Practice Room - Pianos, Music Stands.
**Disclaimer: The Music Society is not responsible for practice room bookings or scheduling. Any queries should be sent to the University Music Department: music@qmul.ac.uk
We are also aware of who uses them & when, any damage or misuse of the rooms will be dealt with accordingly so pleaaase treat them with respect :)
Instrumental Lessons
Please email musicsociety@qmsu.org !
Instrument Lockers
Please email us for more information!
Hiring our Ensembles
Our ensembles and members are always looking for gigs and concerts both within and outside of QMUL! We often don't charge or only have a small hiring fee. No matter how big or small your event please do get in touch and we will endeavour to organise some fantastic music for you!
Our Socials
Message us on Instagram with your phone number to be added to our WhatsApp group!
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We are a three-time Gold Excellence Award society (woooo)!