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 us2025-26 update
For the band Easter course this year we will be again inviting players of Grade 3-5 standard to come along and join the band for part of the rehearsals.
The additional players will be invited along to attend on Friday 10th April 2026: 9.30am – 1.00pm and on Sunday 12th April from 3.00pm.To apply you need to play a woodwind, brass or percussion (either kit or orchestral) instrument at Grade 3 + standard. The cost of the course is £35. You will need to apply early, because there are a limited number of places, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The purpose of this course is to give you the opportunity to play alongside the Somerset Youth Concert Band which you can join as a member when you are Grade 5 standard. The SYCB has about 60 members, so it is a fantastic opportunity to play in a large ensemble.
Dates for 2025/26
| SYC Band EASTER COURSE 2026 | Times | Venue |
| REHEARSAL Thursday 9th April | 09:30am – 4.30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
| REHEARSAL Friday 10th April | 09:30am – 4.30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
| REHEARSAL Saturday 11th April | 09:30am – 4.30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
| REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE Sunday 12th April | Rehearsal 1.00pm- 5.00pm Concert 7.00pm – 9.00pm | Cedars Hall, The Liberty, Wells BA5 2ST |
Please click the link below to view our dates for 2025-26
| SYC BAND CHRISTMAS COURSE 2025 | Saturday 20th - Tuesday 23rd December |
| SYC BAND EASTER COURSE 2026 | Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th April |
| SUMMER TOUR 2026 | Rehearsals: Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July Tour: Monday 20th- Friday 24th July |
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
SYCB Dates 2025-26 Somerset Youth Concert Band Membership Form 2025-26Watch online Performances
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ performed by the Somerset Youth Concert Band
‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ performed by the Somerset Youth Concert Band Saxophones
‘Coventry Carol’ performed by the Somerset Youth Concert Band
‘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 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 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