Arts and Music

Here at John Snow, we pride ourselves on developing and supporting our students in the arts and music. You can get involved in any of our great theatre, music and art societies to express your creative side and develop new skills! 

Arabesque Ballet Company

Arabesque Ballet Company (ABC) is a great society for all members of Queens Campus, from absolute beginner to Prima Ballerina! The society offers classes for all abilities in both classical ballet and contemporary dance. The classes are held once a week at Queens Campus and cost on average only £2 an hour!

It is a great way to improve flexibility and confidence in your dance ability. ABC classes are always good for blowing off steam from hard work and studying and are also a fantastic way to have fun and socialise, especially for those who are new to Queens Campus and want to meet some like minded individuals. The classes run by ABC are there for fun and maybe a chance to try something you haven't before. There's no need to worry about being in full leotard and tights with pointe shoes just come along in whatever you feel comfortable in! Boys are more than welcome to sign up to the society too, the more the merrier!

If you want to come along and see what ABC have to offer there are a number of ways you can get in touch, you can either email the president and one of the teachers of the society, Fliss Beach, on f.j.beach@durham.ac.uk, or find us on Facebook.

Art Society

We have our own Art Society who regularly exhibit a range of their work in the local theatre (ARC).

Our Art Society is a great society if you need a relaxed outlet for all of your creative needs. We welcome students of all skill levels from both John Snow and Stephenson colleges. Everyone has their own unique art style and we do our best to encourage that. Occasionally we have specialists coming in to pass their skills on to us, so this is a fantastic way to learn new techniques and get to know new materials and media. Art Soc is also a fabulous place to socialise while crafting, painting, designing or whatever takes your fancy.

For more details, please email Elizabeth Crockford at e.a.m.crockford@durham.ac.uk

Infinity Musical Theatre

Infinity Musical Theatre is THE Queens Campus performing arts society, established in 2009.

IMT were runners up for the Best New Society at Durham at the Annual Awards Dinner in their first year, and have been involved in a variety of musical performances since. IMT were also one of only three Durham University societies invited to perform at Bill Bryson's leaving dinner in February 2012.

After two successful productions of Bad Girls The Musical and Footloose, both held at the state-of-the-art ARC theatre, IMT has continued to grow in calibre.

We welcome a variety of students interested in musical theatre either as a performer or behind the scenes; whether you are a natural born star or would just like to try something new. IMT is open to anyone, including both staff and students from John Snow and Stephenson Colleges with a keen passion for performing arts. It is a tremendous society to be a part of, as our members are committed, outgoing and incredibly enthusiastic about musical theatre. Being part of such a successful and motivated society is a chance not to be missed!

This year IMT is hoping to uphold the success of previous years and challenge ourselves to produce another great production but (more importantly) have some fun in the process.

For more information about the society including becoming a member, bookings and tickets, please email the President, Tanya Burton, tanya.burton@durham.ac.uk and/or join the Facebook group.

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Music Societies

Our Endeavour Choir and Orchestra welcomes all students with any musical ability to play and perform exciting pieces of music, from all genres. We rehearse once a week and perform termly, both in the community and within the University. We are a society which embraces the fun and enjoyment that music brings and all students who want to experience an exciting and rewarding musical experience are most welcome to join.

We also boast our own jazz group, Equinox Jazz, who regularly put on performances that include a wide variety of pieces.

Durham Endeavour Orchestra

Durham Endeavour Orchestra is a society made up of a diverse group of people, varying in abilities and with the aim of allowing all students to play their chosen musical instruments. We have performed at many college events and have social events including meals out at local restaurants.

This society allows students to gain different experiences from university and interact with differing students to those they normally would. Rehearsals tend to have some form of food break in them with many members bringing in impressive homemade cakes (yummy!).

We would love some more members of any ability, playing any instrument so if anyone fancies it you're more than welcome to contact Elizabeth Crockford (e.a.m.crockford@durham.ac.uk) or Carrie Anderson (carrie.anderson@durham.ac.uk) and come along to a rehearsal!!

Durham Endeavour Voices

Durham Endeavour Voices is a choir open to students of all ranges and levels. We have performed for both the Junior Common Room and Senior Common Room, as well as for the general public. Last year's repertoire included "Water of Tyne", "Adiemus" and "The Rose" and we are constantly practicing new music. Suggestions are also very welcome.

Rehearsing with Durham Endeavour Voices is a fantastic way to unwind after a long day of lectures and studying and is also a great place to meet new friends.

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Crockford - e.a.m.crockford@durham.ac.uk

Equinox Jazz

Equinox Jazz is a student-run jazz ensemble that was established in 2009. They are regularly asked to perform throughout the academic year at university functions, providing musical entertainment to both the staff and students of Durham University. Past performances have included various JCR and SCR formal dinners in the Waterside Restaurant at Queen's Campus, SCA charity tea parties and concerts at ARC.

Whether you are a pianist, percussionist, guitarist, bass guitarist, horn player or a vocalist there are plenty of opportunities to get involved at the weekly rehearsals, no matter how experienced you are.

For more information please look out for our stall at the Queen's Campus Freshers' Fair or email Carolyn Lithgo at c.e.lithgo@durham.ac.uk or Diana Blankson at diana.blankson@durham.ac.uk and/or join the Facebook group.