Somerset Youth Concert Band
About us Somerset Youth Concert Band
Formed in 1973, the Somerset Youth Concert Band is made up of approximately 50 of some of the most talented young musicians from across the county. With its large range of woodwind and brass instruments and exciting percussion section, this award winning band presents a diverse and challenging repertoire of original concert band music, hits from the West End shows, classical repertoire and swing.
The Band has three courses a year, at Christmas, Easter and the end of the Summer Term. The Band has visited Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, France and Venice and Tuscany.
We are bringing new ideas to our rehearsals and including activities that help improve the general musicianship of our players. The pulse and rhythm activities led by the percussion tutor after lunch each day are great fun and a challenge to both students and staff alike! Going forward we will also be including a chamber music session each day with the different sections of the band and the chamber groups will perform in each concert.
How to join Like us on Facebook - Band page Like us on Facebook - Somerset Music page Contact us2024-25 update
We hope those that took part in the band last year enjoyed the courses as much as the band tutors did, the courses and concerts were all a great success! We’re really excited for the coming year, and are delighted to be returning to Wells Cathedral on Monday 9th December at the Somerset Music Christmas Celebration Concert.
Somerset Music Christmas Celebration 2024
Somerset Music Christmas Celebration 2024 | Times | Venue |
REHEARSAL Sunday 8th December | 09:30am – 4.30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE Monday 9th December | Rehearsal 11.00am - 2.15pm Concert 7.00pm – 9.00pm | Wells Cathedral Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE |
Christmas Course
Please note, we have had to change our venue for the Christmas concert. Apologies for this but we’ve had such a successful start to the year recruiting new members that we will no longer fit into the space at Mark Church with their large Christmas tree in place.
SYC Band CHRISTMAS COURSE 2024 | Times | Venue |
REHEARSAL Saturday 21st December | 09:30am – 4.30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
REHEARSAL Sunday 22nd December | 09:30am – 4.30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE Monday 23rd December | Rehearsal 1.00pm- 5.00pm Concert 7.00pm – 9.00pm | CHANGE OF VENUE: St Andrew's Church Greenway Ave, Taunton TA2 6HU |
Dates for 2024/25
Please click the link below to view our dates for 2024-25.
SOMERSET MUSIC WELLS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION CONCERT 2024 | Rehearsal: Sunday 8th December Performance: Monday 9th December |
SYC BAND CHRISTMAS COURSE 2024 | Saturday 21st - Monday 23rd December |
SYC BAND EASTER COURSE 2025 | Sunday 13th - Wednesday 16th April |
SUMMER NETHERLANDS TOUR 2025 | Rehearsals: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July Tour: Monday 21st - Friday 25th July |
We also hope you would like to take part in the Orchestra and Band tour to Netherlands next July 2025. The cost of the tour is estimated to be in the region of £650. We cannot guarantee this price as it very much depends on several factors beyond our control. This includes all travel, bed, breakfast, packed lunch and dinner at the accommodation are provided. We will be staying at The Akoesticum https://www.akoesticum.org/en/
The price also includes a day at the National Park (bike hire included) and a theme park visit (most probably https://www.efteling.com/en). Food and drink during travel are not included in the price.
The breakdown for payment is as follows:
- First Payment by 02/09/2024 (non-refundable deposit) – £80.00
- Second Payment by 13/01/2025 – £285.00
- Final Payment by 05/05/2025 – £285.00
If you would like to come on tour with us next year, please complete the Microsoft form (link below) and we will send you instructions of how to pay through the SSE website by Monday 2nd September 2024.
SYCB Dates 2024-25 Somerset Youth Concert Band Membership Form 2024-25 Orchestra & Band Tour 2025 - application formWatch online Performances
‘Highlights from Star Trek into the Darkness’ performed by the Somerset County Youth Concert Band
‘Skyrider’ performed by the Somerset County Youth Concert Band
‘Jingle Bells/ Old St Nick’ performed by the Somerset County Youth Concert Band
‘Christmas Crackers’ performed by the SCYCB Brass Ensemble
Rondo Alla Turca – Performed by the Somerset County Youth Concert Band Woodwind Section
Spring – Performed by Ella (piano) and Lily (flute)
Watch moreHow to join Auditions and Subscription
Auditions for joining the Band 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 14th October 2024 | 4.00PM-8.00PM | Monkton Wood Academy, Taunton, TA2 8PD |
Tuesday 15th October 2024 | 4.00PM-8.00PM | Strode College, Street, BA16 0AB |
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 and how to join, please contact Sarah Alsop at Somerset Music on 07976 696562 or by email at sarah.alsop@somerset.gov.uk
2024/25 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 £200 for the year 2024/25. (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 2023.
County Music Group Auditions 2024 Somerset Youth Concert Band Membership Form 2024-25 Orchestra & Band Tour 2025 - application form Somerset Youth Concert Band - Information for rehearsals & concertsMeet the Team SYCB Staff
Meet the TeamTestimonials
“I wanted to drop you a note to thank you so much for organising this event. Our son attended and played 2nd clarinet and absolutely loved it. It’s truly inspired him, he hasn’t put the clarinet down since joining and is determined to get his grade 5 in the bag so he can audition. He’s been lucky enough to see the London Philharmonic a few times play film music but he said being part of SYCB and sitting in the row whilst the others played the other pieces was something he will never forget. Please can you pass our thanks to the older two clarinets who sat next to him who helped and made him feel welcome . As a musician myself I remember the excitement of these courses and it was such a fantastic idea to allow the newer musicians this experience!! We will attend your future concerts and hope to be part of the orchestra again in the future” April 2024
Phone us on 0300 1237364 or send us a message