THE RUSTY PLAYER’S ORCHESTRA IN SOUTH BIRMINGHAM
THE RUSTY PLAYER’S ORCHESTRA IN SOUTH BIRMINGHAM
FIND YOUR NEW FRIENDSHIP THROUGH FILM MUSIC WITH RUSTYS.
The Rusty Player’s Orchestra in South Birmingham is a friendly local instrumental group for adults who want to get back into music making within a supportive community space.
Players in Rustys make genuine memories and lifelong friendships through music, offering film, tv, show and games music for returning or budding musicians in the Birmingham and surrounding areas.
Monday Evenings, 7pm – 9pm
Dance Studio, King Edward VI School for Girls, Edgbaston, Birmingham,B15 2UB
Escape the routine of day to day life with Rustys.
Easy to reach from Selly Oak, Moseley, Harborne, Kings Heath, Solihull and Birmingham.
Start with 2 free sessions: Try your first 2 rehearsals free, with no pressure and no obligation. No auditions, no grade requirements. Understanding of music reading encouraged. All instruments welcome.

Find your new friendship through film music with Rustys.
The Rusty Player’s Orchestra in South Birmingham is a friendly local instrumental group for adults who want to get back into music making within a supportive community space.
Players in Rustys make genuine memories and lifelong friendships through music, offering film, tv, show and games music for returning or budding musicians in the Birmingham and surrounding areas.
Monday Evenings, 7pm – 9pm
Dance Studio, King Edward VI School for Girls, Edgbaston, Birmingham,
B15 2UB
Escape the routine of day to day life with Rustys.
Easy to reach from Selly Oak, Moseley, Harborne, Kings Heath, Solihull and Birmingham.
Start with 2 free sessions: Try your first 2 rehearsals free, with no pressure and no obligation. No auditions, no grade requirements. Understanding of music reading encouraged. All instruments welcome.
TRY FOR FREE
Fill in the form below and we’ll send everything you need for your first free session. No payment needed.
ACCESSIBILITY & PARKING
The Dance Studio at King Edwards is a wheelchair accessible venue, with step free access. Facilities offer an accessible toilet on the same level as our regular rehearsal space. The venue offers ample parking space on site, with a small walk from the car park to the dance studio. King Edwards VI High School for Girls is also near to several frequent bus routes for rehearsal access, with routes 41, 61, 63, X20, X21, X22 nearby.
The rehearsal venue is also a 15 minute walk from University train station. A reminder that entry to the venue grounds is via the Bristol Road entrance to the school, regardless of whether you’ve come via car or public transport. We strive to ensure that everyone feels comfortable joining in with Rustys rehearsals, and our brilliant conductor takes a friendly, inclusive approach for people with different access needs. If you would like to check with us about getting to your first rehearsal, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

The friendly orchestra for all instruments. Music that works for you.
ACCESSIBILITY & PARKING
The Dance Studio at King Edwards is a wheelchair accessible venue, with step free access. Facilities offer an accessible toilet on the same level as our regular rehearsal space. The venue offers ample parking space on site, with a small walk from the car park to the dance studio. King Edwards VI High School for Girls is also near to several frequent bus routes for rehearsal access, with routes 41, 61, 63, X20, X21, X22 nearby.
The rehearsal venue is also a 15 minute walk from University train station. A reminder that entry to the venue grounds is via the Bristol Road entrance to the school, regardless of whether you’ve come via car or public transport. We strive to ensure that everyone feels comfortable joining in with Rustys rehearsals, and our brilliant conductor takes a friendly, inclusive approach for people with different access needs. If you would like to check with us about getting to your first rehearsal, please do not hesitate to get in touch.


The friendly orchestra for all instruments. Music that works for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Rusty Players Orchestra South Birmingham contains around 25 members from all walks of life. You’ll first receive a friendly welcome and get the chance to meet your section mates. You will then be guided through you first piece with our lovely conductor Julian, rehearsing through smaller sections as well as doing larger playthroughs with nurturing support to help make the piece sound fantastic.
LOOKING FOR MUSICAL COMMUNITY?
The Rusty Player’s Orchestra South Birmingham is a thriving and friendly, growing community orchestra for returning and budding musicians to find their feet in music through the magic of film and musical repertoire. Whether your returning to play after 20 years or worried about your first musical step to meet new people, rustys is on hand to support you in the next start of your music journey. Run by the award‑winning charity The People’s Orchestra, we offer two free taster sessions so you can come along, join the community, and see how quickly you’ll feel at home.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Sheet music will be provided for rehearsals when you arrive, and Julian will be on hand to welcome you to the group. Where possible, please bring a music stand and pencil, alongside your instrument. For newcomers to Rustys, we encourage musicians to reach out to our instrumental team to chat about your musical needs ahead of your first rehearsal. Our rehearsals last for 2 hours on Monday evenings during term time, with a short break in the middle for catching up with your musician friends.
WHAT MAKES RUSTYS – THE ORCHESTRA WAY BACK IN TO MUSIC
Never too Rusty; adaptive sheet music to suit you: Our arrangements are flexible throughout Rustys repertoire and instrumentations, our wonderful staff are here to help you find your feet in orchestral music and get the most out of rehearsals. Rustys is about enjoying the music, not perfect notes.
No auditions, just music at your pace: Whether you’re returning from a long hiatus or starting out on your first grade, our conductor Julian is there to help you grow your musicality and flourish in confidence, all at your own tempo. Your first two rehearsals are free. You can find your feet within the ensemble and ensure it is the right fit for your musical journey.
Welcoming saxophones, recorders and guitars – whatever you play, we want you: All standard orchestral and non-traditional instruments are welcome to The Rusty Players Orchestra. Chat to our instrumental staff about how we can accommodate your instrumental experience and sheet music needs at Rustys rehearsals.
From stage and screen, music to get stuck in with: Rustys repertoire covers a huge number of areas, including film, tv, show games and popular music genres for musicians to get their teeth stuck into. Offering opportunities to experience stunning scores old and new at your own pace, Rustys also takes on board the suggestions of its members in playing the music they want to be part of.
More value, less barrier: With subscriptions coming in at £18 a month, or supported subscriptions from £12, The Rusty Player’s Orchestra offers an affordable way to enjoy playing great orchestral music in a nurturing community.
Community with impact: As part of The People’s Orchestra charity, every subscription helps support community music and families in difficulty. Joining The Rustys Player’s Orchestra community has an impact far beyond the rehearsal room.
Start Your Journey Today.
WHAT MAKES RUSTYS – THE ORCHESTRA WAY BACK IN TO MUSIC
Never too Rusty; adaptive sheet music to suit you: Our arrangements are flexible throughout Rustys repertoire and instrumentations, our wonderful staff are here to help you find your feet in orchestral music and get the most out of rehearsals. Rustys is about enjoying the music, not perfect notes.
No auditions, just music at your pace: Whether you’re returning from a long hiatus or starting out on your first grade, our conductor Julian is there to help you grow your musicality and flourish in confidence, all at your own tempo. Your first two rehearsals are free. You can find your feet within the ensemble and ensure it is the right fit for your musical journey.
Welcoming saxophones, recorders and guitars – whatever you play, we want you: All standard orchestral and non-traditional instruments are welcome to The Rusty Players Orchestra. Chat to our instrumental staff about how we can accommodate your instrumental experience and sheet music needs at Rustys rehearsals.
From stage and screen, music to get stuck in with: Rustys repertoire covers a huge number of areas, including film, tv, show games and popular music genres for musicians to get their teeth stuck into. Offering opportunities to experience stunning scores old and new at your own pace, Rustys also takes on board the suggestions of its members in playing the music they want to be part of.
More value, less barrier: With subscriptions coming in at £18 a month, or supported subscriptions from £12, The Rusty Player’s Orchestra offers an affordable way to enjoy playing great orchestral music in a nurturing community.
Community with impact: As part of The People’s Orchestra charity, every subscription helps support community music and families in difficulty. Joining The Rustys Player’s Orchestra community has an impact far beyond the rehearsal room.
Start Your Journey Today.
HEAR WHAT OUR CONDUCTOR JULIAN HAS TO SAY
“The Rusty Player’s Orchestra is all about helping people rediscover their confidence, enjoy playing together, and feel part of a genuinely welcoming musical community.”
HEAR WHAT OUR CONDUCTOR JULIAN HAS TO SAY
“The Rusty Player’s Orchestra is all about helping people rediscover their confidence, enjoy playing together, and feel part of a genuinely welcoming musical community.”

OUR GROWING ENSEMBLE – RUSTY’S COMMUNITY IN ACTION
TESTIMONIALS
“When my children started playing in the school orchestra I suddenly realised how much I missed music, and particularly how much I missed playing with other people. I found Rustys and sent a tentative email….and I was welcomed with open arms. I love being part of such a great, welcoming, supportive group of people and I have made such good friends here. I would really encourage anyone who is even a bit curious to come along to a rehearsal and give it a try.”
“I joined Rusty’s after a long gap away from playing brass and initially found it very challenging. Although the rehearsal is after a long days work and I often think ‘I should just go home!’ I am always reenergized after the sessions. I also love playing in the full orchestras and with the choirs at our concerts. The tunes we play, the other musicians and Julian make it a fabulous use of time and I am improving in my playing too”
“A fantastic group of people to play with. One of the best decisions I’ve made as a musician!”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
Let us know! Please reach out to our instrumental staff for news on upcoming Rustys in you local community.
We are on hand to help! The Rusty Player’s Orchestra is made for people who are out of practice at any duration – be it a few months or 30 years, all are welcome. With Rustys, we look to provide a steady pace to find your musical feet again.
We encourage musicians to be able to understand simple music notation, though please do not worry – our lovely instrumental staff are on hand to answer any questions and support you in getting stuck in.
Not at all, many people come on their own for their first rehearsal. We work hard to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and new members are encouraged to settle in at their own pace.
Rustys is all about enjoying the music, rebuilding confidence step by step, in a brilliant community of like minded musicians. Mistakes do happen! It is completely fine to make mistakes and learn with support and practice at rehearsals. Our conductors will help guide you through rehearsals, and our administrative team are ready to help with adaptive music to fit your playing, to ensure you are getting the best experience from your rehearsals.
Members come with a range of experience and confidence levels to Rustys – some are returning after a long break, some are more confident, and others are rebuilding their skills. All are welcome to try out our ensembles with two free sessions, to see if Rustys is a good fit for them.
Rustys is all about enjoying the music, rebuilding confidence step by step, in a brilliant community of like minded musicians.
Yes — your first two sessions are free. That gives you the chance to come along, meet the group, and see how it feels before deciding whether it is right for you. There is no pressure to commit straight away, and our staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have throughout your time with us.
No — there are no auditions for The Rusty Player’s Orchestra. If you have played an instrument before and would like to start again, or are starting out and looking to play music with a group, you are most welcome to come along for two free rehearsals, and see if the group is a good fit for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
Subscriptions are £22 per month, or £14 for students, people who are unemployed, or anyone receiving benefits.
That’s totally normal. Many of our members came along solo – and left with a whole new group of friends
3 steps + No solos, no auditions, lyrics provided, come as you are.
A mix of feel-good, uplifting tunes from films, TV, musicals, and more.
Yes — your first two sessions are free. That gives you the chance to come along, meet the group, and see how it feels before deciding whether it is right for you. There is no pressure to commit straight away, and our staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have throughout your time with us.
No. You do not need to read music to take part. Songs are taught in a supportive and manageable way, so beginners and returning singers can feel comfortable joining in.
Nope! We believe everyone can sing – and our rehearsals are all about building confidence and enjoying the music.
MUSIC CHANGING LIVES
As part of The People’s Orchestra charity, your membership supports our Community Grants Scheme, funding crisis support and opportunities for families and local groups in need. Every note you sing helps change lives across the UK.
MUSIC CHANGING LIVES
As part of The People’s Orchestra charity, your membership supports our Community Grants Scheme, funding crisis support and opportunities for families and local groups in need. Every note you sing helps change lives across the UK.








