Derby & Derbyshire Schools' Orchestra (DDSO)

The orchestra comes together twice a year, in February and July, for exciting residential courses. Under the guidance of professional conductors and tutors, players dive into challenging concert repertoire that pushes their skills and inspires their musicianship.

Each course finishes with a high-profile performance, giving young musicians the chance to shine on stage while friends and family share in their achievements. Beyond the rehearsals, there’s plenty of time to relax, socialise, and make lasting friendships with fellow musicians from across the city and county.

Many the players in DDSO progress to the City & County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) as their standard of playing increases.

In recent years the orchestra has been directed by Natalia Luis-Bassa and Veronica Urrego with recent performances including Conga Del Fuego (Marquez), Symphony no.8, first movement (Dvorak) and Thunder and Lightning Polka (Strauss).

Join the Derby & Derbyshire Schools' Orchestra

We accept applications all year round from new players wanting to join the orchestra. Successful players are then invited to start at the next course or event.

• Ability − Applicants should be at least grade 4 standard for strings, and at least grade 6 standard for wind and brass (which have limited places due to the balance of an orchestra).
• Availability − Applicants are expected to have good availability for the commitments of the orchestra. These are listed above.
• 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 be in this ensemble.
• Confirmation − If you are under 18, you will need a parent/guardian to confirm your application before it can be submitted

How much does this cost?

Course fees to families 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 the concert venue.

Players are invited to attend 2x three-day residential courses a year for Derby & Derbyshire Schools' Orchesra (DDSO), costing approximately £150 per participant.

Apply for a place now!

We accept applications for the orchestra all year round, with those successful being invited to the next course for which we have places to offer (this will be February 2026).