Get involved in music

The Big Band is open to both University of Portsmouth students and staff, as well as members of the local community. The group focuses on jazz, funk, soul and blues and current pop music. This group includes vocalists, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm section (keyboard, guitar, bass, drums etc).

Rehearsals provide a structured but welcoming environment for players of a good standard who want to work on ensemble skills, sight-reading and stylistic interpretation. Members have the chance to perform at concerts, university balls and other local events, representing both the University and the city.

The band’s repertoire covers a wide range of arrangements, from swing-era standards to more contemporary pieces, offering variety and opportunities for both section and solo playing.

The University Choir is our largest ensemble, with up to 120 singers each year. Members usually perform twice annually in local venues, including Portsmouth’s cathedrals, and take part in the University Carol Service. Recent concerts have featured works such as Haydn’s Creation, Handel’s Messiah, and most recently Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, showcasing a wide range of choral repertoire.

The choir regularly collaborates with other local groups, including the Portsmouth Festival Choir, helping to build strong musical connections within the community. Whether you’re an experienced singer or keen to develop your skills, the University Choir welcomes you to join and be part of this vibrant musical community.

The Concert Band is open to University of Portsmouth students and staff, as well as members of the local community. The band’s repertoire is varied, including music from stage and screen, popular songs from different decades, well-known classical works and traditional folk tunes.

The group welcomes all woodwind and brass instruments, along with string bass, drums and percussion. Players at approximately Grade 3 standard and above will be comfortable with the repertoire, but enthusiastic beginners are also encouraged to join. Rehearsals provide a supportive and relaxed environment where members can develop their skills while contributing to the ensemble.

The Concert Band performs at a range of events during the year, giving members the opportunity to gain experience in public performance and to play a broad selection of musical styles. It is a friendly and inclusive group where musicians from the University and the local community can make music together.

If you play an instrument to around Grade 5 standard, the University Orchestra is a great place to develop your skills and enjoy playing with others. We welcome players who want to grow and make music together in a supportive environment.

Joining the orchestra means becoming part of a vibrant community, with regular performance opportunities and the chance to connect with fellow musicians from the university and beyond. Whether you want to improve your playing, gain ensemble experience, or simply enjoy performing, the University Orchestra welcomes you.