If you are interested in joining either the Really Awful Orchestra or the Back to Basics Band, please fill out the form

We have set up the Back To Basics Band for people that consider themselves to be beginners (in terms of playing in an ensemble). The ‘Back to Basics Band’ will meet once per month … usually on the first Monday of the month, at the Music Centre in Hindley. Ian Darrington will be the band director.

As with the Really Awful Orchestra the emphasis will be on having fun. Sessions will also deal with the absolute beginner elements of ensemble playing. Ideally, after six months with this group, players will progress to the Really Awful Orchestra.

We formed The Really Awful Orchestra in January 2018. The idea was to encourage people (back) into playing music with others.

They may be people who used to play an instrument but no longer do. Perhaps they once played in a band and would love to start again. Or maybe they’ve always had a secret desire to be part of an orchestra but never plucked up the courage to join one.

The Really Awful Orchestra made their first public performance as part of Wigan Rotary Club’s Community Day in Wigan Town Centre on Saturday 7th July 2018. We intend to arrange occasional public performances in the future.

The Orchestra meets every Monday evening from 7.15pm – 9.15pm at the Hindley Music Centre, Park Road, WN2 3RY.

Chris Perry is the Director, and he is joined by occasional guest conductors.

The Really Awful Orchestra is organised in partnership with Wigan Council Music Service.