Do you play an orchestral instrument? The best youth orchestra in the region needs you! Apply today by filling in an application form.
Auditions and Open Days
Open days take place throughout the year - come along and try the orchestra! Our next Open Day is Friday, 10th January 2024, from 7-9.15pm. If you would like to come, please either fill in an application form online, or contact us to let us know.
Auditions for SYO take place every June, although informal auditions can be arranged mid-year if you would like to join immediately. If you wish to audition, please complete an application form online and the Musical Director will be in touch about our next audition dates.
All applicants are required to prepare two short contrasting pieces, and should expect some orchestral sight-reading.
Frequently asked questions
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Could I become a member of Stockport Youth Orchestra?
We are always pleased to receive applications from young musicians who live within a reasonable distance of Stockport to allow regular attendance of rehearsals.
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Am I too young - or too old?
No one is too young, anyone who has reached the standards of playing required can have an audition. At the top end of the scale players cease to be full members when they are 21 although some stay on as associate members for a while or return during college breaks to help younger members.
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Am I good enough?
Entry is by a friendly audition, but as a basic guide to the standards of our orchestras we use the grades of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. However we realise that not all instrumentalists enter for these examinations but are nonetheless extremely good players and we would consider them equally.
For the Symphony Orchestra we would normally expect players to be approximately Grade 6 or above, whilst Sinfonia Orchestra members should at least compare to a good grade 4 standard. Some wind instrument players, for instance bassoons, would be considered slightly lower than this.
We would stress again that you do not have to have passed any grades at all but your teacher should consider that you are of a suitable standard.
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What about auditions?
We have one main auditioning session during the summer term. It is best to attend this if you can, but we do also hear candidates throughout the year if we have a vacancy for the instrument that they play.
Everyone is re-auditioned each year.
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Are there any charges or fees?
Members are asked for a modest annual subscription to assist with the orchestras
