String Sinfonia: A profile
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
String Sinfonia is CNEDMC's intermediate string ensemble for young violin, viola, cello, and double bass players working at approximately Grades 2–3. Designed for developing musicians who are ready to take the next step in ensemble playing, String Sinfonia offers a fun, challenging, and supportive environment where students can grow in confidence and musical ability.
String Sinfonia runs on Saturday mornings, 9.00-10.30am at Outwood Academy, Newbold.
Develop Your Ensemble Skills
Playing in an orchestra is one of the most rewarding ways to develop as a musician. In String Sinfonia, students learn to:
Perform exciting and varied repertoire.
Develop listening, rhythm, and ensemble skills.
Improve confidence and musical independence.
Build friendships with other young musicians.
Prepare for progression into CNEDMC's senior string ensembles.
Whether students learn through school, private lessons, or another music programme, String Sinfonia provides valuable experience that complements individual tuition and helps musicians become confident ensemble performers.
Meet the director: Shelagh Webb
Shelagh Webb is the String Orchestra Director at CNEDMC. She grew up in the Peak District, having violin lessons in Sheffield and leading the Derbyshire Youth Orchestra as a teenager.
She studied at The Royal Academy of Music before having a successful career as a violinist playing with orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Academy of St Martins in the Field, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland and in West End Shows, film and pop sessions. Whilst living in the South East she also taught the violin and ran ensembles for Surrey Youth Music, East Sussex and Berkshire Music Services. In 2005 she moved to Sheffield with her family and built her career as a music educator, coaching for Sheffield Music School, teaching privately and at Barlborough Hall School and Mount St Mary’s College.
Join String Sinfonia
If your child is playing the violin, viola, cello, or double bass at around Grade 2–3 standard and is ready to enjoy the experience of playing in an orchestra, we'd love to welcome them to String Sinfonia.
Come along and try a rehearsal, meet our friendly members, and discover how playing in an ensemble can help take your musical journey to the next level.
Interested in joining? Get in touch to arrange a free taster rehearsal or find out more about becoming part of String Sinfonia at CNEDMC.
