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 us2024-25 update
Dates for 2024/25
Christmas Course 2024
| SY ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS COURSE 2024 | Times | Venue |
| REHEARSAL Friday 20th December | 10:00am – 5.00pm | Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA2 6AD |
| REHEARSAL Saturday 21st December | 10:00am – 5.00pm | Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA2 6AD |
| REHEARSAL Sunday 22nd December | 10:00am – 5.00pm | Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA2 6AD |
| REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE Monday 23rd December | Rehearsal 1.00pm – 5.00pm Concert 7:30pm-9:30pm | Temple Methodist Church, Upper High Street, Taunton, TA1 3PY |
Please click the link below to view our dates for 2024-25.
| SY ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS COURSE 2024 | Friday 20th - Monday 23rd December |
| SY ORCHESTRA EASTER COURSE 2025 | Saturday 5th - Tuesday 8th 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.
SYO Dates 24-25 Somerset Youth Orchestra Membership Form 2024-25 Orchestra & Band Tour 2025 - application formFind 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 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 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.
Somerset Youth Orchestra 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.
For more information please contact the Orchestra Manager, Martin Wills martin.wills@somerset.gov.uk or Somerset Music on 0300 123 7364 somersetmusic@somerset.gov.uk
2024/25 Subscription
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 Orchestra Membership Form 2024/25Follow 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