Breadcrumbs

Music

Music is an important part of College life at Somerville, and a variety of musical events take place throughout the year, usually co-ordinated by Somerville Music Society (SMS). There are at least two to three concerts per term in College, encompassing all styles of music and featuring soloists (singing and instrumental), chamber groups, bands, small orchestras, and choirs.

There are also numerous other opportunities across the University and at other colleges to get involved in musical activities of all kinds.

The Chapel Choir sings at the Sunday evening Chapel Service, in College concerts, and sometimes at dinners in Hall. It is run by the Director of Chapel Music and by the Organ Scholar.

Up to three Choral Awards are offered each year, and are available for all voice types (soprano, contralto, countertenor, and tenor, bass). For further details, please contact the Director of Chapel Music, David Crown.

There are various pianos in rooms around College which may be used for music practice. These rooms are booked using the booking folder available in the Porters' Lodge.

The main music practice room is in Park. The New Council Room and Flora Anderson Hall also contain pianos, and may be used if the room is not otherwise occupied; however, academic and College activities take precedence.

To play the grand piano in Hall, and the grand piano, harpsichord and organ in Chapel, special permission must be obtained from Paul Francis, Assistant to the Treasurer. Again, College activities in these rooms take precedence over music practice, and bookings made in advance may occasionally be trumped by such needs.

All these instruments be opened only with keys obtained from the Porters' Lodge, and they must be locked again after use.