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 has three courses a year, at Christmas, Easter and the end of the Summer Term. The Orchestra has visited Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy and France. In July 2026 the Band and Orchestra did a combined tour to The Rhineland in Germany.
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 us2026-27 update
| SY ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS COURSE 2026 | Sunday 20th - Wednesday 23rd December. Concert at: Temple Methodist Church, Upper High Street, Taunton, TA1 3PY |
| SY ORCHESTRA EASTER COURSE 2027 | Sunday 4th - Wednesday 7th 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 |
Find 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 dates for October 2026 are likely to be Monday 12th & Tuesday 13th October.
The Application form will be available here nearer the time. 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.
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Phone us on 0300 1237364 or send us a message