City & County Youth Orchestra (CCYO)

The orchestra gathers twice a year, in February and July, for inspiring residential courses. Guided by professional conductors and tutors, players work intensively on exciting symphonic repertoire that both challenges and develops their skills.

Each course builds towards a high-profile concert, where young musicians take to the stage and share their achievements with an enthusiastic audience of friends and family. Alongside the music-making, there’s plenty of time to relax, have fun, and connect with like-minded musicians from across the city and county.

Many of the players in CCYO go on to study Music at a Conservatoire or University, or continue to play music at a high standard into adulthood.

The orchestra has been recently conducted by Peter Stark and Maria Camilla Barbosa Aristizabal with recent performances including Rhapsody in Blue (Gershwin), Danzon no.2 (Marquez) and Festive Overture (Shostakovich).

Joining the City & County Youth Orchestra

The City & County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) is one of our senior-level ensembles, alongside the City & County Youth Wind Band (CCYWB). Entry is by audition, and applications are welcome throughout the year. Places are offered based on playing ability and the availability of places.

String players

All string player applicants will be considered for the City & County Youth Orchestra (CCYO). and we expect players to be performing at grade 6 level or higher.

 Woodwind and Brass players

Both senior ensembles – Orchestra (CCYO) and Wind Band (CCYWB) – require woodwind and brass players. Applicants can indicate a preference for CCYO when applying, but the final offer will depend on the audition outcome and the availability of places.

Players can initially join CCYWB, then express an interest in being in CCYO at a later date.

For City & County Youth Orchestra (CCYO), we expect players to be performing at at least grade 7, but typically players are at grade 8+.

Percussion players

Both senior ensembles – Orchestra (CCYO) and Wind Band (CCYWB) – require percussion players. Applicants can indicate a preference for CCYO when applying, but they will be invited to play in a band rehearsal as a working audition.

We expect players to be at least grade 7 ability.

How much does membership cost?

There is no membership fee, however course fees are approximately £50 a day per participant, depending on venues, location and times of year. These costs are heavily subsidised and include professional conductors and tutors, as well as all meals, music and transport to a concert venue.

Apply for an audition now!

Making an application is easy! Just complete our online form by following the link below.

Audition calendar

• Woodwind and brass
  Sunday 28 September at County Hall, Matlock – All applicants are invited to play in the band for the rehearsal morning from 9.00, followed by the audition after 1.30pm. 
• Strings
  Tuesday 11 November at County Hall, Matlock, from 5.30pm

What happens at an audition?

An audition will include a short performance of a piece/study, a selection of scales and arpeggios, and the sight-reading of an extract of music. See the full audition preparation guidance to see what would be involved on your instrument.