City & County Youth Orchestra (CCYO)

The orchestra usually meets twice a year for residential courses in February and July. The orchestra prepares high-standard music in rehearsals with accomplished instrumentalists tutoring for the duration of the courses. There is also time for recreation and socialising with like-minded musicians from across the city and county.

Each course culminates in a high-profile performance at venues across Derbyshire. Many of the players in CCYO continue with the orchestra up to leaving school, and sometimes returning whilst at University or further study.

The orchestra has been regularly conducted by Peter Stark, Jon Malaxetxebarria and Natalia Luis-Bassa with recent performances including music from The Three Cornered Hat Suites (Falla),  Danzon no.2 (Marquez) and Festive Overture (Shostakovich).

Join the City & County Youth Orchestra

We accept applications all year round from new players wanting to join the orchestra. These are reviewed and if accepted, an invitation to audition for a place in the orchestra is extended. Successful players are then able to start at the next course or event.

• Ability − Applicants are expected to be of at least grade 6 standard. Where there is higher competition for places, an ability of up to grade 8 may be needed.
• Availability − Applicants are expected to have good availability for the commitments of CCYO.These are listed above.
• Other ensembles − Woodwind, brass and percussion players will be asked in the application if you will be asked if you want to also be considered for the City & County Youth Wind Band (CCYWB). This is not obligatory.
• Reference − We need you to provide us with the contact details of your instrumental teacher so if necessary we may seek confirmation of your readiness to audition.
• Confirmation − If you are under 18, you will need a parent/guardian to confirm your application before it can be submitted.
• Audition – An audition will include a short performance of one piece/study, a selection of scales and arpeggios, and the sight-reading of an extract of music. See the full requirements.

Apply for an audition now!

Our next auditions for all players will take place on Thursday 25 April (evening) at County Hall in Matlock, with those successful being invited to join for the residential course in July

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