Dark Peak Music Foundation
…. a bright musical future
A Bright Musical Future
The Dark Peak Music Foundation is a vibrant, innovative and ambitious music centre based in the Peak District in Derbyshire. It welcomes young musicians from Glossop, New Mills, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Hayfield and the surrounding area.
The Foundation is committed to providing the best opportunities for young people to develop their interest in music and the lasting friendships that grow out of making music together.
At the heart of our ethos is the belief that children can develop themselves through the wonderful gift of music. We aim to foster the musical development of each individual student, nurturing their confidence, helping them to develop their musical and teamwork skills and giving them the opportunity to work with other keen and committed young musicians.
Under the guidance of expert professional musicians, the Foundation provides opportunities for players from beginner to advanced levels in a progressive family of ensembles.
Through our three central themes, Progression, Adventure and Inspiration we are striving to make our corner of Derbyshire an exciting musical environment for the whole community.
Progression
With over 150 members in a total of nine ensembles, the emphasis is on high standards of achievement in an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere. Advanced players perform major works from the orchestral and symphonic wind band repertoire, while less experienced players are invited to join one of our training ensembles where pieces are carefully chosen for their level of ability, with popular music from stage and screen sharing the programme with classics.
Recently added programmes include Theory classes to support players working for higher grades and our newest project; Dalcroze music and movement sessions for children age 6-9.
Adventure
Regular performances include prestigious venues such as Buxton Opera House, Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Royal Northern College of Music. The Concert Band appears at major national festivals, including being a Gold Award Winner and finalist at the National Concert Band Festival and in 2016 performing in Symphony Hall, Birmingham for the final for the National Festival Music for Youth. Further afield concert tours have included of Belgium and the Czech Republic, with the most recent being a tour of the Veneto region of Italy, with highly acclaimed concerts in the Italian Alps.
Inspiration
In addition to ensemble work, the Dark Peak “INSPIRE” Series brings a whole new dimension to the musical life of the area. With a programme of special events, including professional concerts, masterclasses and workshops, “INSPIRE” extends the core work of the music centre, bringing new levels of inspiration to our young players, parents, friends and the wider community.
Spain 2022
Hola Everyone, Well, we finally did it …. and what a tour it was. I’m sure it was the best trip we’ve done yet. I wanted to write to thank each and every one of you for being such a brilliant bunch to be with. I can’t imagine a better group of people to spend a week...