Welcome to our very special Community page where we listen to you and think outside the box. 

We love to get on the road and work with the many village communities of Dorset.

Maybe you want to be Drumming Heroes? Songbirds? Make a Rock Band? Create new instruments? Improvise? Tell new stories . . .

We have all kinds of new musical possibilities rolling out for you to experience and this is the ‘work in progress’ that we want to share with you!

Bring your ideas and creativity to our front door and we will realise them for you. Wonderful things happen when we think together.

Cheerful children hold instruments
Winding path with trees

Highlights since 2022

We are an important presence in the community, helping to improve the lives of people in Dorset. Often we are invited to perform for special occasions, this is always a highlight for us and in many ways represents the essence of who we are.

Looking forward

Our Director has created and managed many large-scale community projects, from Opera through to Samba workshops and performances in stunning landscapes. Every project is unique, every participant in a project is essential
These are opportunities for all ages to take the plunge, creating something special and unforgettable.

Call out !

Soon to begin. . . . .

Please contact Ellen via email for further information or to sign up . . .

Vintage Blues Band

Do you have a clarinet in your attic that is longing to be played? What’s in that box in the garage? We even have instruments in our attic here at HQ . . .

This year we are launching our show stopping Vintage Blues Band for rusty winds or not so rusties.  We are creating a regular slot for you to meet and learn the Blues. No need to read music, these sessions will encourage you to play by ear, learning to improvise . . . . of course if you feel more comfortable reading the dots, music will be available.

As the band gains strength, we will have live informal sessions when family and friends are invited to an entertaining Jam and a warm social gathering.

Do contact Ellen if you want to become a Jammer, we need to know you are out there!
Instruments are available to hire, come and have a Taster lesson if you want to brush up on your skills beforehand. 

What are you waiting for? !

Saxaphones lying on grass

Folk Who Walk

We want to walk and we think you should join us!

Breathe in fresh Dorset air and savour landscapes, punctuated with music, legend, myth and storytelling from one of our
Folk who Walk team. If you like this idea, please voice an interest to Ellen. We are mapping out dates and locations for this popular pursuit following our successful pilot funded by Nature Heals, if you have a favourite walk you would like to share, please let us know . . . 

Rural village churches Recital series

Calling all villagers!

We are excited to provide a series of Rural Recitals in the village churches of Dorset.

If you live in a village with a church, and you would like to welcome Rural Recitals, please do contact Ellen and we will aim to include you on the tour.

Church in a field

The Rhythm of Life ®

Following the birth in 2022 of the spectacular Shroton Samba group, we think it would be cool to generate an apocalyptic Drumming energy across the Blackmore Vale and beyond.
We are so excited to announce our new partnership with the Rhythm of Life’s Artistic Director, International Percussionist, Felix Gibbons. 
Felix lived and worked in Brazil for eleven years, his expertise and experience bring a wealth of knowledge to our door …. we have very exciting plans for the future !
If you would like to be part of The Rhythm of Life, contact Ellen at DRMS to sign up.
We have some extraordinary possibilities for performance once we have recruited our cohorts!
Look out for our dedicated Rhythm of Life page, soon to be launched, involving community groups, schools and more …

Group playing outside

Past Projects

Examples of projects managed by our Director prior to her role with the Dorset Rural Music School. We look forward to plenty of collaborations in the future . . . . 

Project Noye 2014

A major six month community opera production of Benjamin Britten’s iconic community opera, ‘Noye’s Fludde,’ working with Conductor Charles Hazlewood, in association with Kneehigh Theatre, members of the Philharmonia Orchestra, pupils of Wells Cathedral School, all pupils and staff of Brookside School, Street, young musicians of the South West and over one hundred amazing amateur musicians.

Bringing all generations together to create an extraordinary performance and telling the story of Noah’s Flood, this project aimed to reach people who had never experienced Opera or Classical Music before. Many young musicians had their first experience of performing alongside seasoned amateurs and high profile professionals.

The final performance at the Royal Bath and West Showground was unique and unforgettable, the proceeds of which were donated to the flood victims of the Somerset levels.

Apollo: One Giant Leap (2019)

The 50th anniversary of the first landing on the moon was celebrated with a spectacular performance of Composer Geof Edge’s community opera, ‘Apollo: One Giant Leap.’

This Dorchester Arts initiative was a large scale schools and community project that culminated in an exceptional event at Maumbury Rings on 21st July 2019.