FAQs
This page contains general information about ChaOS in the form of Frequently Asked Questions. If you would like to know more, please contact the relevant Committee member with your query. Committee e-mail addresses are available on The Committee page.
We also encourage you to e-mail us with any other questions you would like us to answer on this page, and we will update it. We hope that the following information is of help to you. Please email us at su-chaos@bath.ac.uk if you have further enquiries.
How do I join ChaOS?
What do I need to do to join an ensemble?
Can I attend a taster before joining?
ChaOS doesn’t provide an opportunity for me, but I want to join a music ensemble; what can I do?
Do I have to audition?
Where can I get concert tickets?
How do I raise an issue that concerns me?
Who are the conductors of ChaOS' ensembles?
How is ChaOS funded?
Can I borrow an instrument?
Can I borrow sheet music for personal use?
Can I get music lessons?
I am a pianist; what can I do in ChaOS?
Can I get involved in running the Society?
I am thinking of applying to Bath, how can I find out more about musical opportunities here?
Does ChaOS run any socials?
How do I join ChaOS?
You need to be a student at the University of Bath. Then you go to The SU Bath ChaOS homepage and click 'add to basket' to purchase membership (you will need to be logged in). The price is £15 for one academic year, and £4 for placement students. Membership automatically ensures that your e-mail address is placed on the general members’ mailing list. If you are a member of staff or the public (without an SU Bath account), it is sadly harder to join ChaOS. Regrettably, only in very particular circumstances can a member of the public (not a University of Bath Student) join ChaOS. However, for any inquiries, we will still gladly assist you. You can reach us at the following e-mail address: su-chaos@bath.ac.uk
What do I need to do to join an ensemble?
Just turn up for a rehearsal to meet the group and try it out. If you like it and want to stay, then join on The SU Bath, as detailed above.
Can I attend a taster session before joining?
Yes, you are welcome to attend two rehearsals without purchasing membership. However, you will not be allowed to take away sheet-music until you have joined the society. We will be checking membership throughout the year, as we cannot run the society without membership fees; it isn't fair on other people in the society if some people aren't paying!
An official taster session is available during the Taster Day in Freshers’ Week at the start of each academic year and it is strongly recommended that you attend this session in order to join as early as possible. For 2022-23 this day is Saturday 1st October, please stay tuned for more information.
ChaOS doesn’t provide an opportunity for me, but I want to join a music ensemble; what can I do?
Please get in touch (su-chaos@bath.ac.uk)! We cannot improve ChaOS without knowing about areas which cause problems. Sometimes there are opportunities which are not apparent on the surface (for example we frequently need pianists/bass guitarists/drummers) but if not we will work to find a way to include you if at all possible.
Do I have to audition?
Auditions are not generally required for any subgroup of ChaOS. If necessary auditions may be also held for section principals in instrumental ensembles and for concerts such as our Formal Recital.
Where can I get concert tickets?
Tickets for our events are available in advance from the ICIA Box Office (Located in The Edge foyer), online at www.icia.org.uk/whats-on, or on the door. Further information about our forthcoming concerts can be found in the ‘Concerts and Events’ section.”
How do I raise an issue that concerns me?
You should address general suggestions, comments, and complaints to su-chaos@bath.ac.uk
If you wish to raise a specific issue please contact the most relevant member of the Committee; e-mail addresses are available on the committee page.
The committee strives to give you the best musical experience possible; we would much rather you raised any issues than you just walked away from our ensembles. If you have any good ideas for things ChaOS could be doing then please suggest them in the same way: we are open to suggestions!
Who are the conductors of ChaOS’s ensembles?
ChaOS’s ensembles are conducted by a mixture of volunteer conductors from the local community and University students. The work they put in is highly valued, especially with the challenges of working within ChaOS limited financial resources. If you would like to conduct one of our ensembles, please contact su-chaos@bath.ac.uk; with students graduating and taking placements we generally have opportunities every year.
How is ChaOS funded?
The majority of ChaOS’s income comes from membership subscriptions. Every year we receive a budget from the Students’ Union; this varies year on year depending on the total amount available and the needs of different societies. Income is supplemented by sponsorship and profits made on concerts.
Can I borrow an instrument?
The Edge Arts have a limited supply of instruments available for student use. The latest list supplied to us include clarinets, a flute, soprano, alto and baritone saxophones, a French horn, trombones, a trumpet, a euphonium, a tuba, violas, cellos, double basses, and a guitar. The use of some of these instruments is connected to performing as part of a ChaOS ensemble.
To borrow an instrument, you do have to pay a £50 deposit; this is returned promptly to you on safe return of the instrument to The Edge Arts. You are also responsible for insuring the instrument.
Members who have borrowed instruments previously have found it an easy experience. For further details, it is best to contact The Edge Arts.
If you wish to borrow an instrument which is not on the above list, please contact The Edge Arts as they are constantly working to improve their supply and demand may influence their future planning. Please also email ChaOS (su-chaos@bath.ac.uk) as we want to help anyone who wishes to make music at Bath; we have other avenues to explore.
Can I borrow sheet-music for personal use?
You may borrow sheet music if you are a member of ChaOS. To borrow copies, speak to your ensemble manager. (See the committee page for details of whom to contact.) All sheet music must be returned in its original condition and you may be charged for any loss or damage of copies.
There is a collection of sheet music located on Level 1 of the University Library; this should be catalogued as a joint venture by The Edge Arts and the Library. Previously, to borrow sheet music, you have had to sign it out at Reader Services on Level 2 of the Library; we will update this page if there is any change to this procedure. A significant amount of the music not used by University Ensembles is for small chamber ensembles. If you wish to play Chamber Music but need a few more musicians, please contact ChaOS (su-chaos@bath.ac.uk) and we will see what we can do to help you.
Can I get music lessons?
ChaOS does not provide any music tuition, however, tuition is available from The Edge Arts with a fixed number of places subsidised each Semester. For more information please see The Edge Arts website (http://www.bath.ac.uk/icia/student/music), or speak to The Edge Arts in person by calling into their box office in The Edge on campus (next to East Building). Anyone taking lessons is strongly encouraged to participate in ChaOS rehearsals to gain the most from the tuition.
I am a pianist; what can I do within ChaOS?
Here at ChaOS, we love pianists! Solo performance opportunities are available in our recitals and Big Band, Choir and Contemporary Choir require pianists each year, and Orchestra sometimes requires one. We also require pianists to support other performers in our recitals. Exact opportunities are constantly changing so please get in touch (su-chaos@bath.ac.uk) and we will inform you of the latest roles. Also, you can keep checking our Facebook page, Twitter and of course here on The SU Bath for opportunities for pianists.
Can I get involved with running the society?
To help run ChaOS you can become a member of the Committee or volunteer as a Conductor or Accompanist. If you would like to help the Committee run ChaOS without taking on an official role, please do not hesitate to contact us on su-chaos@bath.ac.uk and you will be referred to the most relevant Committee member to liaise with. ChaOS is a very large society and help is always welcome and greatly appreciated. As the year draws to a close, we will also be holding elections for the new committee.
I’m thinking of applying to Bath, how can I find out more about musical opportunities here?
Firstly take a good look at our pages and the Students’ Union pages in general (we are not the only society of a musical nature although we are almost certainly the largest). If you still have unanswered questions or any specific concerns, please send us an email to su-chaos@bath.ac.uk and we will do our best to help you.
Does ChaOS run any socials?
Yes! We run a variety of socials which include 2 meals (Christmas and Easter), film nights, pub crawls, and club nights. More information can be found on the socials page. Contact details for our Social Secretary Ben are available on the page as well.