By Matilda Collard, Third Year English
Bristol is a vibrant centre of art and creativity, home to a dynamic music scene that’s echoed in the rich variety of musical societies offered at our university. With everything from classical orchestras to Taylor Swift Appreciation, the University of Bristol has a music society perfect for you! So, whether you're a fresher eager to dive in or a returning student ready to explore something new, discover all the musical opportunities the university has to offer.
Music Performance
If you’re a musician interested in rehearsal and performance opportunities, there are a plethora of groups to explore in a range of skill levels and intensity. BUMS (Bristol University Music Society) boasts over 10 incredible musical ensembles, including both auditioned and non-auditioned groups.
Auditioned Groups
- Chamber Orchestra (auditioned)
- Symphonic Winds (auditioned)
- Baroque Ensemble (auditioned)
Non-Auditioned Groups
- Brass Band (non-auditioned)
- Wind Orchestra (non-auditioned
- String Orchestra (non-auditioned)
- Flute Choir (non-auditioned)
- Clarinet Choir (non-auditioned)
Additionally, the University of Bristol has two Symphony Orchestras. The auditioned ‘University of Bristol Symphony Orchestra’ is the main orchestra, conducted by members of the Music Department. They perform an ambitious repertoire from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, blending iconic pieces and lesser-known works in their dazzling concerts.
‘Symphonia’ offers both a part-auditioned Symphony Orchestra and a completely non-auditioned Philharmonic, providing a unique opportunity to be part of an orchestra in a fun and relaxed environment. As well as performing impressive concerts, Symphonia also boasts a jam-packed social calendar, providing ample opportunity to meet like-minded musicians. If you’re an enthusiast for classical music, there are a myriad of instrumental ensembles to explore.
But if classical music isn’t your scene, do not fret! There are plenty of music ensembles in a huge variety of genres to get stuck into. The University of Bristol is home to an active Jazz scene, with two amazing Big Band societies (Hornstars and Bristol University Jazz Orchestra) performing regularly in venues across Bristol. In addition to this, the student-led Jazz, Funk and Soul Society (JFS) can always be found jamming out in Mr Wolf's. Blues society also offers a great opportunity for some casual jamming in pubs and the Balloon Bar.
If you’re a theatre enthusiast or interested in performing as part of a wider creative process, consider joining the Music Theatre Bristol Pit Band and become the heartbeat of live theatre at the University of Bristol! From powerful overtures to dramatic underscoring and toe-tapping finales, pit band musicians are essential to creating the magic of musical theatre.
You'll get the chance to collaborate with talented performers, gain real ensemble experience, and perform in front of live audiences in some of Bristol’s most exciting student productions. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to try something new, pit band is a great way to challenge yourself musically, meet like-minded people, and have a whole lot of fun along the way. Make sure to check out their socials for information on how to get involved!
Don’t worry, vocalists – we haven’t forgotten you! Bristol University has a huge variety of singing ensembles to dive into. BUMS (Bristol University Music Society) offers two choirs: Chamber Choir, an auditioned group of 40-50 high-standard singers, and Minerva Choir, a non-auditioned choir welcoming all vocal abilities in a relaxed and sociable setting.
The Bristol University Singers is the university’s most prestigious choir, consisting of around 30 singers and performing a wide range of music from the Renaissance to the present day. Additionally, the Bristol University Madrigal Ensemble, affectionately known as MADS, is a 16-strong choir of auditioned singers, who perform unaccompanied part-song from across the ages, from Renaissance madrigals and polyphonic Masses to contemporary art song and jazz arrangements. If you’re an experienced vocalist, these ensembles are a great way to get involved with singing at the University of Bristol!
There are also plenty of opportunities to sing outside of a choir setting. The University of Bristol Performing Arts Forum (PAF) offers a plethora of opportunities for vocal performance. Music Theatre Bristol (MTB) is the university’s musical theatre society, dedicated to staging a range of high-quality shows and cabarets. They perform four large shows a year, with TB1 being home to their annual Showcase.
They offer lots of both auditioned and non-auditioned opportunities throughout the year, and everyone is encouraged to get involved. Bristol University Opera Society (BOPS) also performs two full-length operas per year with the aim of making opera more fun and accessible. They have auditioned principal roles and a non-auditioned ensemble, so anyone who wants to have a crack at some opera can do so in a fun and engaging way.
The University of Bristol is also home to eight different acapella societies. Imagine Pitch Perfect but in real life! Each one offers something unique in the world of unaccompanied singing:
Competitive Groups
- Bristol Suspensions (mixed-gender)
- Academy (all male-aligning)
- Pitch Fight (all female and non-binary)
Non-competitive Groups
- Bristones (mixed gender, non-competitive group, largest acappella group)
- Top Note (mixed gender, higher voice part)
- Tone Rangers (mixed gender, lower voice part)
- All Sharps (mixed-gender)
- Brizzlebox (mixed-gender, beatboxing)
The competitive groups perform in a variety of competitions, most notably including the ICCAs (the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella – yes, it is real!), where Bristol Suspensions won in 2021. All groups also perform at BOSW, a spectacular acapella concert featuring groups from universities across the South West. Acapella is the perfect way to live out your Barden Bella or Treblemaker fantasies!
Music Appreciation
Music Societies at the University of Bristol aren’t all about performance. There are plenty of groups dedicated to the discussion and appreciation of music. Taylor Swift Appreciation Society is probably the most notable, with dedicated club nights, karaoke socials, and brunch parties dedicated to celebrating everything Swiftie. If you’re a ‘Lover’ of Taylor, they’d be ‘Enchanted to meet you’!
Alternatively, the Underground Music Society dives into Bristol’s vibrant rave culture and explores both the literal and figurative underground music scene. Discover some new beats and have a good ol’ boogie while doing so.
If you’re a concert enthusiast, Gig Society is the place to be. Featuring student bands as well as up-and-coming new artists, GigSoc is always showcasing something new and exciting, and you could be on the barricade. Weekly pub socials and music quizzes make this a great place to connect with fellow music-aficionados and hear some amazing new artists.
Additionally, Rock Society is a group dedicated to celebrating Bristol’s alternative music scene. Their events calendar is full of pub socials, alt club nights, quizzes, and gigs, as well as frequent jam sessions if you want to rock out with fellow musicians! However, you don’t have to be a player to get involved with RockSoc, as they are equally dedicated to the discussion and appreciation of rock music.
The music scene at the University of Bristol is vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunities; there truly is something for everyone. From orchestras and choirs to genre-specific appreciation groups, you’ll find a society that matches your interests and inspires you to get involved.
Be sure to explore the SU societies page for more details, and you can also follow your favourite groups on social media for updates on how to join, audition info, upcoming socials, and performance events.
So why not dive into Bristol’s music scene this year? Get involved, meet new people, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Featured Image: Ali BartonWhich society are you going to join this year?
