Coming to Edinburgh this September? This is your guide to becoming a part of EUMS, Scotland’s foremost student music body! Last year was our 150th anniversary year and we’re continuing this year with a schedule packed with brilliant music-making, socialising and more!
Who are EUMS?
Established back in 1867, Edinburgh University Music Society consists of three different ensembles: Chorus, Sinfonia, and Symphony Orchestra.
Chorus is one of the largest choirs in Scotland, performing several times a year in fantastic venues. Conducted by the always enthusiastic Neil Metcalfe, it is a non-auditioning SATB symphonic chorus, and we welcome both students and non-students as members. For one concert every year, Chorus collaborates with one of our two other ensembles for the chance to sing great choral repertoire alongside a full orchestra.
Sinfonia is a semi-auditioned full symphony orchestra that rehearses under the baton of Ondřej Soukup. The orchestra aims to provide the opportunity for keen string players to get a chance to rehearse and perform in a full scale orchestra without the stress of auditions, whilst also creating a challenge for the auditioned woodwind, brass and percussion sections.
Symphony Orchestra is one of the largest and oldest orchestras in Scotland. It is the Society’s only fully auditioned ensemble. Conducted by the ever passionate Russell Cowieson, Symphony Orchestra presents students with the task of playing orchestral works to the highest standard.
How do I join EUMS?
If you are a singer or string player, you can join EUMS without auditioning – just come along to Chorus or Sinfonia rehearsal. Brass, percussion and woodwind players, as well as string players who want to play in our Symphony Orchestra, can arrange an audition either at the EUMS stand at the EUSA Activities Fair at The Pleasance or by emailing the Society’s secretary Lucy Gray (secretary@eums.org.uk).
Auditions are in front of our two orchestral conductors (Ondřej Soukup and Russell Cowieson). You will be asked to perform a prepared piece (no more than 5 minutes) and sight-read an orchestral extract. There will be an experienced accompanist available with a short amount of rehearsal time available before your audition. After all the auditions have taken place a member of the committee will get in touch to let you know if you have been successful.
To fund the society, we ask that students and non-students pay a subscription of £30 or £60 respectively at the start of the academic year; this covers one whole year of membership. If you are here for only a semester, subscriptions cost £20 or £40 for students and non-students respectively.
But why should I join EUMS?
Edinburgh University Music Society provides the opportunity to play fantastic repertoire at brilliant venues across Edinburgh and beyond. Last year saw for example a performance of An American in Paris by Sinfonia before Chorus and Symphony Orchestra came together to perform Carmina Burana at the 150th anniversary concertat Edinburgh’s prestigious Usher Hall. Beyond that, we had a spring concert series, including The Creation by Haydn, Symphony No. 6 by Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 7 by Prokofiev and many more, our annual summer concert as well as a tour to the Isle of Skye.
Alongside providing the opportunity to play fantastic music at incredible venues, EUMS holds great social events throughout the year. These include the annual EUMS Ball, Winter Ceilidh, Sectional Meals, and pub trips after rehearsals and concerts.
If you have any more questions about the upcoming Welcome Week, why don’t you have a look at our FAQs. Up to date events for the week as well as the rest of the year can be found in our Calendar or on our social media platforms.
Still unsure? Come along to our scratch rehearsal and subsequent ceilidh on Thursday 13th September 2017. Make sure you follow us @edmusicsociety on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on the rehearsal, our other Welcome Week events, and much more!