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, 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. Prospective members are invited to apply for a rehearsal-based play‑in audition, where they take part in a morning rehearsal with the band, rather than performing in front of a panel.

Places are offered based on players’ performance and engagement during this session. Applications for play‑in auditions are welcomed throughout the year.

• Woodwind and Brass players
  Applicants should be playing at Grade 6 level or higher. For the most competitive positions, Grade 7+ ability is often required. Successful players will be invited to the next CCYWB course.
• Percussion players
  Applicants should be playing at Grade 6 level or higher. Successful players will be invited to the next CCYWB course.

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 a play-in audition?

Applicants will be invited to take part in the next CCYWB rehearsal morning, where they will be given a part that matches their playing level. We don’t expect perfection, as much of the music will likely be read for the first time., along with the rest of the band.

By the end of the session the section tutor will have seen enough to recommend whether a place in the ensemble is appropriate for the next residential course.

Apply for a place now!

Our next rehearsal morning for CCYWB for a play-in audition will Sunday 4 October, 9.00am–1.30pm at County Hall, Matlock.

• Please note: We are accepting applications from all band instruments, but especially saxophones and trumpets.