The Exeter Community Family Orchestra is run in partnership with the University of Exeter. This year the sessions will be led by BSO Musician Emma Welton with support from Roz Harding, whilst the orchestra’s leader Hugh Nankivell takes a sabbatical!

Inclusivity is key to the Family Orchestra, which is open to everyone. All ages, instruments and any musical standard are welcome, there are no auditions and you don’t even need your own instrument – just turn up and play on the handheld percussion provided, or sing!

The group is based at MakeTank, Paris Street, Exeter, EX1 2JB, but often explore the local area with their instruments keen to be inspired by their surroundings. The Aubergines welcome whole families, as well as those who may be living alone. All sessions are free to attend, with no commitment to attending every session.

The sessions for the 22/23 season are confirmed for:

  • Sunday 6 November | 10:30am-12:30pm
  • Sunday 13 November | 10:30am-12:30pm
  • Sunday 20 November | 10:30am-12:30pm
  • Sunday 27 November | 10:30am – 2:30pm (including a final sharing with friends and family)
  • Spring term 2023: 10:30 – 12.30pm: Sunday(s) 15th & 29th January: 12th & 26th February with a performance 12th March
  • Summer term: 10.30 – 12.30pm: Sunday(s) 7th, 21st May: 4th & 18th June and 2nd July

To sign up to attend, please complete this online form

If you are interested in joining the group and would like more information, please contact Michael Armstrong, BSO Participate Programme Manager at marmstrong@bsorchestra.co.uk

Exeter Sound Walks

Explore the music of nature and the outdoors with The Aubergines. Emma Welton and the group have created several Sound Walks around the area of Exeter aiming to tune in and react to their surroundings. Emma describes the walks as musical compositions; ‘the choices I make shape a particular listening experience for somebody else.’

Head to the downloads section (above-right) to see some examples.

The Aubergines has opened my eyes to a whole different way of making music, which I found incredible and very liberating.
Hilary - Exeter Community Family Orchestra