WEMA - West of England Music and Arts

28/09/2026

WEMA, Curiosity Unltd and Domini Choudhury-Agboeze have been working the Latent Pictures and MShed and sparksbristol today, hearing some amazing stories from remarkable people.

We’ll be sharing more about what we’re doing very soon…

23/09/2026

The deadline for the WEMA Youth Orchestra 2026/2027 season is fast approaching! Last year's pilot project was a great hit, as you can see from our video, and this year things are set to get even better. Get your applications in for this fantastic opportunity to take your playing to the next level.

Woodwind, brass and percussion grade 7 and above and string players grade 5 and above are invited to apply.

More details and booking via:
wema.org.uk/youth-orchestra

16/09/2026

Expanding on our DJ and Music Production workshops offer, we’ve opened up lessons in music production and DJ skills across the area.

DJs Rowan Moody and Dean Tamagno are keen for more young people to develop their skills, learning to beat match, mix and loop tracks. Last years cohort took part in exciting performance opportunities at the Beacon and Forum and we’re keen for more to get involved!

Music production sessions will take students through sampling, recording, FX, mixing and sound design.

Sessions are available in Bath on Wednesday evenings, Littke Stoke on Monday evenings and Backwell on Saturday mornings.

Go to https://uksouthglos.speedadmin.dk/registration #/ to access the booking page! Individual and group lessons are available.

16/09/2026

Did you know that WEMA run 2 wind bands for adults at Hayesfield School, Bath on Wednesday evenings?
If you are an advanced woodwind, brass or percussion player why not join our Encore Wind Band 6.50pm - 7.50pm. Or maybe you've just started learning or are a returning player? Then Overture Wind Band is for you 5.45pm - 6.45pm. Come along next week for a free trial.

15/09/2026

Our partners Future Talent are looking for a Programme and Relationship Manager for Wales and South West England. Future Talent do great work supporting young musicians, so take a look if this is in your area of work expertise!

We're hiring!

We're looking for a Programme & Relationship Manager to join our team and strengthen the support and opportunities we offer to young musicians from low-income backgrounds in Wales and the South West.

Does this sound like you? Head to our website to find out more and apply!

Permanent, part time 0.6 FTE
Salary: £28,000-32,000 pro rata
Apply by: Monday 28th September 2026, 5pm

Rydym yn chwilio am gerddor rhagorol, rhagweithiol a diwyd i ymuno â Future Talent fel Rheolwr

Rhaglenni a Pherthynas (Cymru a'r De-orllewin).
Rheolwr Rhaglen a Pherthynas (Cymru a De-orllewin Lloegr)
Parhaol, rhan amser (0.6 FTE)
Cyflog: £28,000-£32,000 pro rata yn dibynnu ar brofiad
Hybrid (swyddfa a gweithio gartref)

https://www.futuretalent.org/about/careers

11/09/2026

Free Discovery Days at Music Centres coming up at our Saturday morning centres on 19th September.
Little Stoke Saturday Music Centre for those just starting up to grade 5.
3 wind bands, 5 string orchestras, ukulele ensemble, acoustic and electric guitar groups.
Bath Saturday Music Centre at Hayesfield for all levels.
Training, intermediate and senior wind bands. B&NES Youth Jazz Orchestra, Woodwind ensemble plus guitar and keyboard ensembles.
Backwell Music Centre for all levels up to advanced. Junior, intermediate, senior bands and string groups plus orchestras. wema.org.uk/wema-music-centres

11/09/2026

As the new school year starts, WEMA staff had a In-Service Education and Training (INSET) day this week, which was a chance to reflect on the previous year, and look forward to ways we can make WEMA services even more relevant, accessible and inclusive.

The day included a 'state of the nation' address from CEO Simon Lock on how WEMA is beginning to achieve national recognition for its work giving young people the opportunity to thrive and achieve through arts and culture, while supporting schools and education settings; as well as a crucial session on LGBTQIA+ support from our Inclusion Lead Jenni Parkinson.

These INSET days also have another important function - to gather together WEMA's large team of music teachers, therapists, operations staff, and managers that work across a wide region covering North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset and beyond, and remind them that they are all a vital part of the WEMA story as it grows and progresses.

As a non-profit organisation, there will always be challenges for WEMA caused by logistics, geography, financial and time constraints in schools, and barriers to accessibility. But an INSET day helps the organisation as a whole to celebrate and communicate the impact of WEMA's work for young people, their families and their communities.

If you would like to connect with and support WEMA and the young people and families we work with, then you can find ways to help on our Connect With WEMA page here: wema.org.uk/connect-with-wema

07/09/2026

Take your orchestral playing to the next level at our WEMA Youth Orchestra. Applications now open for the 2026-2027 season. Strings players must be a mininum of grade 5 standard. Woodwind, brass and percussion grade 7 and above invited to apply. Closing date Thursday 1st October. wema.org.uk/youth-orchestra

07/09/2026

Calling all Primary School children who have recently started learning a string instrument in North Somerset. Come and try our string group at Yatton Infant School on Thursdays after school at our next free Discovery Day 24th September.

04/09/2026

Calling all electric guitar, bass guitar, singers, drummers and keyboard players. Come along to our Rock and Pop Centre Discovery Day and see what it's like to play in a band with expert tuition. wema.org.uk/wema-music-centres