The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music is the world's leading provider of graded music exams and assessments. We are trusted and respected by teachers and students around the world.

In all our activities we aim to encourage musical enjoyment through achievement and to foster and enhance quality in music teaching and learning. We are committed to educational excellence, quality and innovation in the sphere of music education and to meeting the needs of music educators and their students.

Music makes a vital contribution to the educational and personal development of young people. Besides developing specific musical skills, playing an instrument or singing, either individually or in a group, helps to develop confidence, concentration, self-discipline, and many other general qualities. Similarly, bands, choirs and ensembles help to develop social skills, a sense of identity and the ability to work with others.

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The Reading Phoenix Choir was founded in 1969 and during the past 33 years it has earned an enviable reputation as one of Britain's leading amateur mixed voice choirs.

The choir gives about 15 concerts each year at venues around the country and also has a distinguished record in national and international competitions. Most recently premier awards were gained in Cork(1995), Worcester(1999), Cardigan and Jersey(1999). Concert tours have included visits as far afield as Russia, the Czech Republic and California USA.

The Windsor and Maidenhead Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1972 as a group of local musicians ready to support the many amateur productions of light opera and musicals, but also to give concerts in its own right. It was then called the Maidenhead Concert Orchestra. When Robert Roscoe took over in 1975 the orchestra grew in status and considerably widened its repertoire which now includes large scale works ranging from the classical to the contemporary.

Orchestra Practice is held every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.40pm at the Dolphin School, Hurst. The WMSO roughly follows the School terms, so doesn't meet during school holidays, including half-term week.