City & County Youth Wind Band (CCYWB)

The band comes together twice a year, in October and March, for exciting residential courses, supported by an additional rehearsal morning. Guided by a professional conductor and expert tutors, players work on challenging symphonic wind orchestra repertoire that stretches and develops their skills.

Each course builds towards a high-profile concert in Derby or Buxton, where young musicians perform on stage and share their achievements with an enthusiastic audience of friends and family. Beyond rehearsals, there’s plenty of time to relax, socialise, and enjoy being part of a community of like-minded musicians from across the city and county.

Members of CCYWB are often players in their local music centre or schools bands and ensembles, with many continuing with then band up to leaving school.

The band is directed by Mark Heron with recent performances including Paris Sketches (Martin Ellerby), Incantation and Dance (Barnes Chance), Bohemian Revelry (Adam Gorb) and States of Matter (Jenni Watson).

Joining the City & County Youth Wind Band

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

Woodwind and brass players

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

For City & County Youth Orchestra (CCYWB), we expect players to be performing at at least grade 6.

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 6 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

• Sunday 28 September at County Hall, Matlock – All applicants are invited to play in the band for the rehearsal morning, followed by the audition after 1.00pm.

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.