This year's Course will be returning to Symphony Hall in Birmingham. The magnificant Requiem by Verdi will be performed with guest choirs, including the City of Birmingham Choir.

This year's Course will again be held at the superb Seldon Hall music centre at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys School at Elstree in Hertfordshire, during the half-term week.

The facilities at 'Habs' comprise an acoustic concert hall in which full orchestra rehearsals are held, surrounded by sound-proof rehearsal rooms and studios for sectional rehearsals and tuition.

Excellent catering will be provided ... elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack seem to satisfy most appetites!

The first three days of the Course include full and sectional rehearsals with careful attention by our specialist instrumental tutors, to ensure that everybody is able to realise their full musical potential. Friday is spent in full rehearsal with Bob Pepper, our Musical Director.

On Saturday morning, the Orchestra will travel to the Venue by coach, for just one more rehearsal, before the afternoon performance.

Residential students stay at the SPEC centre, All Saints Pastoral Centre, in nearby London Colney, St. Albans. ESOC staff accompany the students, and the party is cared for by the residential help-team at SPEC. Dormitory-style accommodation is provided in separate male/female wings, students sharing rooms of two, four, six or eight beds.

Breakfast, an evening meal and a light supper are provided, so you see there is little chance of anyone going hungry on an ESOC course!

Coach transport each evening and morning is provided to and from SPEC.