City & County Youth Wind Band (CCYWB)

The band meets in October and March for residential courses, supported by an additional rehearsal morning, preparing challenging symphonic wind orchestra repertoire with a professional conductor and tutors.

Each course culminates in a high-profile performance in Derby or Buxton where friends and family are invited to watch and celebrate in the achievements of the young musicians. There is also time for recreation and socialising with 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).

Join the City & County Youth Wind Band

We accept applications all year round from new players wanting to join the band. These are reviewed and if accepted, an invitation to audition for a place in the band 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 CCYWB. These are listed above. 
• Other ensembles − In the application you will be asked if you want to also be considered for the City & County Youth Orchestra (CCYO). 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!

We accept applications to join the band all year round. Successful applicants will be invited to play with the band at their rehearsal on Sunday 26 January 2025 at County Hall, Matlock, then do an audition afterward.

Successful auditionees will be invited to start with the band in the Spring term.

Those also wishing to join the City & County Youth Orchestra only need to make one application.