Music Society

As Director of Music I would like to welcome all new students to the college – as well as welcome back all existing members – and to encourage you very warmly to pursue your musical interests during your time in Cambridge. The months ahead will, of course, be impacted by the restrictions and regulations relating to Covid-19 and sadly, as a result of this, our usual activities have had to be curtailed. But, rest assured, as soon as we are able to move forward again, we will be doing so – and have lots of ideas and possibilities to bring forward and develop to renew Hughes’ rich musical offering.

As a Cambridge student you will find many opportunities to play, sing and listen to music, both in college and beyond. Whether you are drawn to jazz, chamber music, Broadway musicals or rock; whether you wish to start a choir, share your home culture with others, or try something for the first time; whether you are an expert or beginner – we want to hear from you!

The Music Planning Group organises a wide-ranging programme of musical events throughout the academic year, with occasional opportunities for student participation. These would normally include themed evenings (such as American Thanksgiving and Christmas Carols), local bands and performers, and professional concerts sponsored by the Stradivari Trust. If you would like to join the mailing list please contact music@hughes.cam.ac.uk. You can also use this email to ask to be added to our Music Teams site.

For those of you interested in singing, Hughes Hall Choir rehearses on Monday evenings during term. The choir offers opportunities to sing a wide range of music types. Whatever your ability, if you want to sing, please come along! Due to Covid restrictions, unfortunately the choir will not be able to meet in the short term, but please do not let this stop you from getting in touch and registering your interest. Amy Klohr (ak892@hughes.cam.ac.uk), Choir Director and Senior Member of the college, is pleased to consider Hughes’ students as private pupils and is always happy to give further advice about vocal opportunities in Cambridge and the local area.

The College has an upright practice piano located in the Maletin Room (this can be used silently with headphones).Please note the important access and hygiene instructions when using this instrument). To book a practice slot (max 2 hours), use the booking sheet, located by the piano. Hughes Hall also hosts the Cambridge Graduate Symphony Orchestra which rehearses regularly on Sunday evenings. If you are interested in joining, please contact Alex Reid (awnr2@cantab.net) who will be happy to hear from you. The orchestra’s activities are suspended for the time being but will recommence again as soon as possible.

If you would like to sing or perform, or wish to take up a new instrument, do let us know as we can often help put you in touch with other musicians in Cambridge, both at Hughes as well as at other colleges. In the coming year there will be at least two ‘Music Cafés’ – informal evening events which are open to all and which offer opportunities for anyone to perform. If you are interested in playing in this relaxed and friendly setting, please contact Aga Iwasiewicz-Wabnig (ai261@cam.ac.uk) who would be delighted to hear from you. The Music Cafés are a great way to get to know people in College and are widely supported. Once again, in the short term we are not able to offer these as physical events but are planning for online alternatives.

Please bear with us in the months ahead as we adapt to the temporary restrictions. We are very keen to bring music back as fully as possible into College, so do keep an eye on the main College website music pages for updates – https://www.hughes.cam.ac.uk/student-centre/practical/music.

With very best wishes for the year ahead,

Nigel Yandell (njy22), Director of Music & Fellow, Hughes Hall

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Current members of the Music Planning Group

Stephen Axford (bridge.director@hughes.cam.ac.uk)

Aga Iwasiewicz-Wabnig (ai261@cam.ac.uk) – Music Café

Amy Klohr (cohoham@gmail.com) – Hughes Hall Choir and vocal training

Alison Nicholson – (programmes.manager@hughes.cam.ac.uk) – Administrative support to the Music Planning Group

Corinne Roughley (cfa1001@cam.ac.uk)

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