The MAPAS Centre

The MAPAS Centre is the beating heart of MAPAS. If you want to play an instrument, sing, dance or act with other people then the MAPAS Centre is the place to do it!

What is the MAPAS Centre?

MAPAS Centre is a membership scheme that gives you access to our bands, orchestras, choirs and theatre groups. It provides opportunities for children, young people and adults from across Salford to take part in creative activities together.

Most of our sessions take place at Moorside High School in Swinton (M27 0AP) but we also run some groups at various other venues throughout the city.

The MAPAS Centre is split into three strands: Music Centre, Singing Centre and Performing Arts Centre. You can access all three strands with one MAPAS Centre membership. More information about each strand is below.

What we offer

How do I become a member?

You can apply to join one of our groups online. Some groups welcome complete beginners but most groups do have some entry requirements (e.g. age or standard) so be sure to check which group is right for you.

Membership is only £8 per month for children and £10 per month for adults. Your MAPAS Centre membership allows you to join as many groups as you like for no additional cost (subject to meeting the entry requirements)

Find out more about membership fees

When do rehearsals happen?

Different groups have different rehearsal times which can all be found on their respective MAPAS Centre pages. All sessions run after the end of the school day and into the evening.

Sessions run during school term time only (there are no membership fees collected in August). A list of this year's term dates can be downloaded here.

Term dates

Performances

MAPAS Centre members perform regularly in Showcase concerts in community venues as well as at other prestigious venues such as the Lowry, Salford University and the Bridgewater Hall.

Senior MAPAS Centre members have the chance to perform abroad as part of concert tours whilst Junior MAPAS Centre members are invited to residential weekends to work on exciting performance projects.

You can see some of our previous concert performances on our YouTube channel

Watch our performances

Friends Of MAPAS

Calling All Parents/Carers, Get Involved!

The friends of MAPAS is effectively the MAPAS Centres very own ‘PTA’, raising funds which go directly back into future MAPAS Centre activities.

Over the last few years the 'friends' have assisted by funding elements of a number of trips, including transport for tours to France, London, and a residential trips to Wales. The 'friends' have also supported activity days for younger MAPAS Centre members at venues such as Salford Watersports Centre.

The 'friends' run our MAPAS Centre tuck shop each week and members of the 'friends' can be found helping out in various ways at MAPAS events. As well as this, the 'friends' fundraising evenings which have in recent years included both family bingo and race nights are always a hugely enjoyable and successful.

For more information on becoming a 'friend' please email the chair of the group: neil.darcy1976@gmail.com

What does MAPAS stand for?

MAPAS stands for Music and Performing Arts Salford. MAPAS is part of Salford Community Leisure which also run leisure facilities, libraries and cultural venues across Salford. MAPAS is also part of the Greater Manchester Music Hub.

What is the MAPAS Centre?

The MAPAS Centre is the name given to the group activities/instrumental lesson we run outside of our work in schools. We offer over 25 group opportunities including bands, orchestras, theatre groups and choirs. We cater for both children and adults. The MAPAS Centre also offers one to one instrumental music lessons.

Where do MAPAS Centre activities take place?

The majority of MAPAS Centre activities take place at Moorside High School (M27 0AP). We also run satellite groups at various venues across the city.

What can I do during my child's group rehearsal?

Our MAPAS Centre base at Moorside High School has a waiting area on the 2nd floor. We offer tea/coffee making facilities during busy periods. You do not have to stay on site to wait for your child but we ask that you come to meet them inside the building when you pick them up, for their own safety.

Which groups take place at the MAPAS Centre?

Please visit the MAPAS Centre page (in the about tab on our home page) for an up to date MAPAS Centre timetable.

How can I check my child's progress in their MAPAS Centre group?

Just ask your child’s group leader for an update at the conclusion of any rehearsal. Alternatively email the MAPAS office (mapas@scll.co.uk) and we will endeavour to send you a written progress update as soon as possible.

How often should my child practice their MAPAS Centre group material?

Your child should add their MAPAS Centre material to their regular practice schedule/routine as well as taking it along to their weekly lesson (if they have one). All music should be looked after and returned after use. Please ensure your child brings all the necessary material to each group.

How often do MAPAS Centre groups perform?

Each MAPAS Centre group will perform at least once every term as part of either our MAPAS Centre Showcase Concerts or another performance opportunity offered to our groups throughout the region. *Performances are often the culmination of a lot of hard work by our MAPAS Centre members so a commitment for your child to attend all performances their group is involved with is preferable for the benefit of everyone involved. Information about each performance opportunity will always be distributed to parents/carers in advance.

What should I do if my child is unable to make a rehearsal/performance?

If your child is unable to attend a rehearsal/performance then please contact us as soon as possible so we can inform your child’s group leader. By phone: 0161 778 0256 or by email: mapas@scll.co.uk

Is there a uniform for performances?

Yes – The standard uniform for all our groups is ‘all black’ with smart and suitable shoes unless otherwise stated by your child’s group leader.

Can I hire an instrument from MAPAS?

Yes – We offer an instrument loan scheme which is FREE of charge to MAPAS Centre members throughout the duration of their MAPAS Centre membership. MAPAS also work in conjunction with Salford City Council to offer an Assisted Purchase scheme to young people in full time education in a Salford school. This scheme enables the purchase of instruments without the need to pay VAT. If you wish to take advantage of this scheme please contact us by email: mapas@scll.co.uk

How much does MAPAS Centre Membership cost?

Please visit the MAPAS Centre section of our website (in the about tab on our home page) for a list of up to date membership fees.

How do I become a MAPAS Centre Member?

Simply head to the 'register' tab on our home page and click 'groups' to begin the process.

Does the MAPAS Centre have a PTA?

We have something very similar. Our FRIENDS OF MAPAS group is open to any parents/carers wishing to become more actively involved with the MAPAS Centre. The group organises regular fundraising activities as well as helping out at performances and running our MAPAS Centre tuck shop at Moorside High School. If you would like to get involved, please contact: Neil.Darcy@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Are MAPAS on social media?

Yes, we are active on all main social media platforms , please like/follow us to stay up to date. Twitter: @mapas1, Facebook: Search – Salford MAPAS Instagram: Salford MAPAS You Tube: Music and Performing Arts Salford.

How do I contact the MAPAS Centre?

You can contact the MAPAS Centre by phone: 0161 778 0256 or by email: mapas@Scll.co.uk