Northamptonshire has an outstanding reputation for the quality of its county ensembles. The Service presently maintains some 30 County Groups.
These include a wide range of:
- Orchestras
- Bands
- Choirs
- Chamber/small ensemble groups.
Rehearsals are held weekly during the school term at the Central Northampton centre, Entry to a County Music Group is available to all young musicians who either live or attend school within the county; subject to an annual audition in July each year and a small membership fee (assistance with fees is available in cases of hardship, please ask for details).
Audition forms and information are sent to all schools and colleges at the beginning of the summer term or can be obtained direct from the office at the main Northampton Music & Performing Arts Centre.
The County at present provides the following at Junior, Training and Youth level:
- 3 Symphony Orchestras
- 2 Chamber Orchestras
- 3 Concert Bands
- 3 Jazz Bands
- 2 String Orchestras
- 5 Choirs
- 3 Brass Bands
- 5 Guitar Groups
- 2 Folk/Contemporary Music Groups
- various smaller ensembles (flute choirs, clarinet choirs, etc).