Somerset Youth Orchestra
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About us Somerset Youth Orchestra
Since its formation in 1973 the SYO has been offering high quality orchestral playing to young musicians from all over Somerset. A large number of the students who have played in this group have been inspired by their musical experiences to pursue the subject to a very high level. Countless numbers of our members have studied, or are studying music at university or music college. Many have become professional musicians working as performers or teachers. Some even work for the County Music Service, Somerset Music who support the orchestra!
The orchestra is a full sized symphony orchestra and recent performances have included Parade by Erik Satie, Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky, Mahler Symphony No 5, Bartok Concerto For Orchestra and Shostakovich Symphony No 5, 8 & 10.
Like us on Facebook - Orchestra page Like us on Facebook - Somerset Music page Contact us2025-26 update
Dates for 2025/26
| Orchestra & Band Tour - July 2026 | Times | Venue |
| REHEARSAL Saturday 18th July | 09:30am – 4.30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
| REHEARSAL Sunday 19th July | 09:30am – 4.30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
| TOUR Sunday 19th July - Friday 24th July | n/a | The Rhineland, Germany |
The tour to the Rhineland in Germany is now at full capacity. To be added to the waiting list please complete the application form:
Orchestra & Band Tour – The Rhineland July 26
Provisional dates for next year for the Orchestra & Band
| SOMERSET MUSIC CELEBRATION CONCERT 2026 - BAND THIS YEAR | Sunday 6th December (rehearsals) Monday 7th December (performance) |
| SYC BAND CHRISTMAS COURSE 2026 | Saturday 19th - Tuesday 22nd December |
| SY ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS COURSE 2026 | Sunday 20th - Wednesday 23rd December |
| SYC BAND EASTER COURSE 2027 | Thursday 1st - Sunday 4th April |
| SY ORCHESTRA EASTER COURSE 2027 | Sunday 4th - Wednesday 7th April |
| SUMMER TOUR 2027 | Rehearsals: Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th July Tour: Sunday 25th – Friday 30th July 2027 |
Find out more What we do
The orchestra meets at the end of each academic term for an intensive course (usually 4 days). The orchestra is conducted by Andrew Sherwood, Violin Professor from Trinity College London. Each section of the orchestra will have a specialist tutor who will guide the young performers through rehearsals. Each day of the course has a mix of full and sectional rehearsals culminating in a concert at the end of the course which is open to all members of the public.
The final course in the academic year is usually held overseas. We are truly international artists and these courses have included performances in Paris, Florence, Prague, Salzburg, Dublin and most recently Holland. Somerset County Youth Orchestra was also the first Orchestra to perform in the European Parliament in Brussels.
How to join Auditions and Subscription
Auditions for joining the Band and Orchestra are held annually in October and those wishing to join must be able to play at grade 5 standard or above.
The venues are:
| DATE | TIMES | VENUE |
| Monday 13th October 2025 | 4.00PM-8.00PM | Monkton Wood Academy, Taunton |
| Tuesday 14th October 2025 | 4.00PM-8.00PM | Strode College, Street |
Please click on the link below for the Application form. Copies are also sent to music departments in both maintained and independent schools across the county.
For more information about the Band/Orchestra and how to join, please contact Sarah Alsop at Somerset Music on 07976 696562 or by email at sarah.alsop@somerset.gov.uk
2025-26 Subscription
Somerset Youth Concert Band receive some financial assistance from Arts Council England via the local music Hub, Sound Foundation Somerset but need to raise the majority of its running costs from subscriptions.
The subscription will be £210 for the year 2025-26. (additional siblings, university students and pupil premium 50% reduction)
This can paid in two instalments if preferred, the first at the start of the Autumn term and the second by the end of January 2026.
County Music Group Auditions 2025 Application FormFollow us Get social
Please visit and follow our Somerset Youth Orchestra social pages
Follow us on Twitter – @SCYO19
Follow us on Instagram – @scyo
Like us on Facebook – @SomersetCountyYouthOrchestra
Phone us on 0300 1237364 or send us a message