What is Musical Medics?
We are a musical society made up of a choir, orchestra and various small ensembles. We don't have a minimum standard, never audition and pride ourselves in keeping our rehearsals relaxed and fun so you can get a break from the busy student life. While we were founded by medics, we are now all-inclusive and about half our members come from non-medical degrees. In order to hold onto our medical roots, all the money we raise from our concerts is donated to medical charities. Take a look at the Concerts page to see where our recent proceeds have gone and get in touch with our Charities Co-ordinator if you have any suggestions for next tem.
We generally perform a range of classical music and more contemporary pieces from film or theatre. Once you become a member, you can borrow digital and paper copies of our pieces online from the Music Library, where you can also suggest/vote on pieces for the coming term.
In recent years we've also had a number of very successful small ensembles, including two Brass Bands (Gwyd and the Brasslets, and the Brasstronauts), String Ensemble, Flute Choir and Woodwind Quintet. These groups don't have set rehearsal times so to get involved or start up your own just speak to us at rehearsals.
We also have an active social side so you can get to know the people who sit on the other side of the room! We do regular pub nights after rehearsals and generally put on 2-3 socials per semester (see our Calendar for our upcoming plans). In the past these have ranged from cultured evenings at the theatre to lazerquest so there really is something for everyone. We also put on either an after-concert or end-of-term ceilidh, which is an event not to be missed.
For the academic year of 2020/21 things will be slightly different due to COVID-19. Our rehearsals and socials will be delivered online via Zoom. Instructions on this will be emailed round and available on all our social media. Regular and fun socials and rehearsals will still be a great way to meet new people from a variety of degrees and years!
How often do you Perform?
The whole society comes together twice a year for our semesterly charity concerts. The choir also takes part in the Medical school's Anatomy Memorial Service where we give thanks to the families of those who have donated their bodies to science. We also organise an annual weekend tour which is open to all our members. This usually comprises of two concerts supporting charities that are local to the areas we visit.
How can I get Involved?
Check out our social media for any and all updates! Our Instagram is edi_musicalmedics. Our Facebook is Edinburgh University Musical Medics Society. Our twitter is edimusicmedics. At the start of the year you can find us at all the online Freshers' fairs - see our Calendar for times and locations. Come along and have a chat about the society and let us answer any questions you might have. This is also the first chance to sign up to our mailing list from which you will get a weekly e-mail about all that is going on.
Loads of our members get started by just turning up to a rehearsal. If you don't know anyone, or haven't played your instrument in a while this can be a bit daunting but please don't be put off, we're a friendly bunch and will do our best to make sure you have a great time.
You can come and try us out for free but if you would like to come regularly, membership is £10 for the year (an absolute bargin). If you're not studying at Edinburgh, you're also very welcome to join and the membership price is the same. Speak to our Treasurer to pay your dues.
Where do you Rehearse?
We rehearse every Thursday (usually in Alison House, Nicholson Square. It's just behind Bristo Square.) However, for the academic year 2020/21 we will be rehearsing online via Zoom. We will bring the music to your home! Instructions will be sent round and the first couple of weeks will be a time to figure out and adapt to this new rehearsal style.
Choir 6pm-7:30pm
Orchestra 7:30pm-9pm
Usually, orchestra meet in Lecture Room A, on the second floor. Go to the top of the stairs, take the door on the left and then go straight ahead.
Choir meet in Seminar Room 207.
For the first few weeks we will make sure there are signs up or people about to point you in the right direction.
The doors to Alison House have swipe card access after 5pm so you will need your university card to get in. Your card probably
won't work straight away but if you buy membership we will make sure we get it activated for you, and for the first few weeks we will
put someome on door duty to make sure you get in! If you are joining us from outside uni this time just drop us an
e-mail and we'll sort you out.
