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 ensembles. Entry is by audition, and places are offered based on the standard demonstrated and the availability of seats within the orchestra. We accept applications for an audition all year round.

• String players
  We expect applicants to be playing at Grade 6 level or above. If this level is demonstrated at audition, the player will be invited to join at the next CCYO course.
• Woodwind and Brass players
  Applicants should be playing at Grade 7 level or higher. For the most competitive positions, Grade 8+ ability is often required. Successful players will join our pool of wind and brass musicians and may be invited to CCYO courses depending on the needs of each programme. They may also be invited to join the City & County Youth Wind Band if they are not already members.
• Percussion players
  Percussionists should be playing at Grade 7 level or above. Successful applicants will first be invited to a play‑in rehearsal audition with the City & County Youth Wind Band. They will then join our pool of percussion players and may be invited to CCYO courses according to repertoire requirements. They may also be invited to join the City & County Youth Wind Band if not already members.

How much does membership cost?

There is no membership fee, however course fees are approximately £55-65 a day per participant, depending on venues, location and times of year.

These costs are heavily subsidised and contribute towards professional conductors and tutors, accommodation and meals, music and transport to a concert venue.

What happens at an audition?

Players are asked to 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.

Apply for an audition now!

Our next auditions for CCYO will be on Thursday 7 May, from 5.00pm, at County Hall, Matlock.

• Strings: We have limited places left for string auditions, you may be placed on a waiting list or be deferred to November if none are available.
• Woodwind and Brass: All applications at this stage will be considered for auditions in November.