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
| WELLS CATHEDRAL REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE | Times | Venue |
| REHEARSAL Sunday 7th December | 09:30am – 4.30pm | Willowdown Primary Academy, Kings Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4FU |
| REHEARSAL Monday 8th December | 09:30am – 2.15pm | Wells Cathedral Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE |
| PERFORMANCE Monday 8th December | 7.00pm – 9.00pm | Wells Cathedral Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE |
| SY ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS COURSE 2025 | Times | Venue |
| REHEARSAL Saturday 20th December | 10:00am – 5.00pm | Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA2 6AD |
| REHEARSAL Sunday 21st December | 10:00am – 5.00pm | Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA2 6AD |
| REHEARSAL Monday 22nd December | 10:00am – 5.00pm | Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA2 6AD |
| REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE Tuesday 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 2025-26
| SOMERSET MUSIC WELLS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION CONCERT 2025 | Rehearsal: Sunday 7th December Performance: Monday 8th December |
| SY ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS COURSE 2025 | Saturday 20th - Tuesday 23rd December |
| SY ORCHESTRA EASTER COURSE 2026 | Thursday 16th - Sunday 19th April |
| SUMMER TOUR 2026 | Rehearsals: Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July Tour: Monday 20th- Friday 24th July |
The tour to the Netherlands last July was such a success we are keen to plan something for next year so we also hope you would like to take part in another combined Orchestra and Band tour next July 2026. 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 are considering Scotland, Belgium or Northern Germany. If we travel across to Belgium or Northern Germany we would book this through a tour operator so the cost is likely to increase.
SYO Dates 25-26 Somerset Youth Orchestra Membership Form 2025-26Find 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
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Phone us on 0300 1237364 or send us a message