Welcome to the Mile End Music Society!

The Mile End Music Society is open to all musicians studying or working at QMUL, of all abilities! We offer a range of ensembles (details below!) covering many genres from Jazz to Classical, Rock to Choral, or A capella to Blues; there's something for everyone! Our groups rehearse on a weekly basis, typically in the evening, with large concerts at Christmas and Easter and plenty of smaller performances throughout the year.

The Committee

Social Media Manager: Senthuri Perananthan

Our Groups

A Cappella - Wednesdays, Second Floor Main Music Room, 18:30-20:30.
Do you sing in the shower when no one is listening? Do you like listening to all the different parts of a song? Do you have a compulsive need to harmonise when you listen to the radio? If this sounds like you then you should come and check out acapella! We hold weekly rehearsals where we have both arranged and performed songs such as Movement by Hozier, Some Nights by Fun and Blinded By Your Grace by Stormzy. This year we are looking forward to performing at events such as Sound of Ground and an end-of-year concert! We can’t wait to meet you all in September.

NOTE: A Capella is the only section that requires an audition. Unfortunately, this means you can't join mid-semester, but there will be more auditions at the start of each semester. In person auditions are on the 24th and 25th of September 2026, and self-tape auditions are due by the 2nd of October 2026. 

Bands - Mondays, LG04* + LG02*, 18:30-20:30.
This is a place for any musicians who want to meet other students and come to weekly jam sessions where anyone can jump in and play with like-minded musicians. Bands can provide an opportunity to form a group and play to live audiences! Over the next academic year, we will be holding a number of gigs, performances, and socials for musicians of all abilities. Students will have the opportunity to perform in Battle of the Bands, pub performances, and themed concerts throughout each semester. QM Bands is open to students of all levels of experience and musical preferences.

Choir - Tuesdays, Second Floor Main Music Room, 18:00-20:00.
Our choir has grown, tackling a wide variety of repertoire, ranging from Les Miserables to Rossini's Stabat Mater. New members are always welcome, with no auditions!

Jazz - Wednesdays**, People's Palace Foyer, 18:00-20:30.
Jazz at MEMS is the structure of a classic big band and explores a variety of repertoire and styles from across the jazz spectrum; welcoming players of any standard. In the past few years, we have held many successful gigs across campus and we are eager to continue to bring music to the QMUL community's life. Directed by former National Youth Jazz Orchestra Member Harry Evans, we are in very capable hands to play some excellent music. We're excited to have you join us this year! Jazz is split into two sections, a small group for improv coaching and jazz theory at 18:00 in the basement of Peoples Palace, and the Big Band starting at 18:30 in the People's Palace Foyer.

QMBL Orchestra - Mondays, People's Palace Great Hall, 18:00-20:45
The orchestra in MEMS is a very welcoming and open space to play orchestral music together. It is split into two orchestras, the BL Orchestra and the QMBL Orchestra, with the BL Orchestra running directly into the QMBL Orchestra afterwards. Students from both societies are allowed and encouraged to play in both orchestras, even if you only have membership for one of them. Players of all levels are welcome, with no auditions required, so just rock up with your instrument and we'll find you a part to play! Previous year's repertoire has included Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, Grieg's Holberg Suite, Saint-Saens Danse Macabre, Brahms Symphony No. 1, Sibelius' Karelia suite, and a multitude of film music. This year we are hoping to play some Pirates of the Caribbean.

Wind Band - Monday, People's Palace Foyer, 18:00-19:30

As of January 2023, we also offer a Wind Band which rehearses at the same time as the Orchestra (during this time the strings are welcome to play with the BL orchestra and then everyone comes together for the full QMBL orchestra rehearsal). Last year was a great success. This year we are hoping to have another excellent year. All wind players welcome including saxophones!

Each section (except A Cappella) runs on an open-door policy. You're welcome to join anytime during the semester! Please check our Instagram for which week each of these ensembles starts!

*Basement Rooms in the People's Palace 

**Jazz rehearsals may take place on other days, please watch the whatsapp group for weekly updates!

Music Facilities

Practice Rooms

https://qmul.libcal.com/spaces?lid=2674&gid=5476

*Please note: You MUST be a Music Society member of Mile End or Barts to use Practice rooms*

**Disclaimer: The Music Society is not responsible for practice room bookings or scheduling. Any queries should be sent to the University Music Department: music@qmul.ac.uk

We are also aware of who uses them & when, any damage or misuse of the rooms will be dealt with accordingly so please treat them with respect.

Instrumental Lessons

Please get in touch via our dedicated WhatsApp group or email musicsociety@qmsu.org ! These lessons are not run by the society. They are run by individual students who use our spaces. As such, availability is dependent on who wants to teach each term. A google form will be sent out in Week 1 or Week 2 of each semester to do matchmaking.

Instrument Lockers

Please email us for more information!

Hiring our Ensembles

Our ensembles and members are always looking for gigs and concerts both within and outside of QMUL! We often don't charge or only have a small hiring fee. No matter how big or small your event please do get in touch and we will endeavour to organise some fantastic music for you! 

Our Socials

Whatsapp Community Link:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/EAuoBc8NkvI2HobfIxaFCd

https://www.instagram.com/qmulmusicsoc?stkn=MTM3MWFkZHdiNHJxeA==

We are a three-time Gold Excellence Award society (woooo)!