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. In July 2026 the Band and Orchestra did a combined tour to The Rhineland in Germany.
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 us2026-27 update
| SOMERSET MUSIC WELLS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION CONCERT 2026 | Rehearsal: Sunday 6th December Performance: Monday 7th December |
| SYC BAND CHRISTMAS COURSE 2026 | Saturday 19th - Tuesday 22nd December. Concert at: Temple Methodist Church, Upper High Street, Taunton, TA1 3PY |
| SYC BAND EASTER COURSE 2027 | Thursday 1st - Sunday 4th April. Concert at: The Johnson Hall, Millfield School, Butleigh Road, Street, BA16 0YD |
| SUMMER TOUR 2027 | Rehearsals: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July Tour: Monday 26th- Friday 30th July |
| WELLS CATHEDRAL REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE | Times | Venue |
| REHEARSAL Sunday 6th December | 09:30am – 4.30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
| REHEARSAL Monday 7th December | 09:30am – 11.00am Band pieces rehearsal | Wells Cathedral Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE |
| REHEARSAL Monday 7th December | 12:45pm – 2:15pm Massed Items rehearsal | Wells Cathedral Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE |
| PERFORMANCE Monday 7th December | 7.00pm – 9.00pm | Wells Cathedral Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE |
| SYC BAND CHRISTMAS COURSE 2026 | Times | Venue |
| REHEARSAL Saturday 19th December | 09:30am – 4:30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
| REHEARSAL Sunday 20th December | 09:30am – 4:30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
| REHEARSAL Monday 21st December | 09:30am – 4:30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
| REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE Tuesday 22nd December | Rehearsal 1.00pm – 5.00pm Concert 7:00pm-9:00pm | Temple Methodist Church, Upper High Street, Taunton, TA1 3PY |
SYCB Dates 2026-27 Somerset Youth Concert Band Membership Form 2026-27
Watch 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 dates for October 2026 will be Monday 12th & Tuesday 13th October.
The Application form is available on the link below. 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
2026-27 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 £220 for the year 2026-27 (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 2027.
County Music Group Auditions 2026 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