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Your Questions Answered
What is the Stockport Youth Orchestra ?
Since it was set up in 1956 Stockport Youth Orchestra has gained an enviable reputation - not only for quality concerts, but also for the range of opportunities and orchestral training it provides for young people. It is now acknowledged as one of the leading amateur orchestras in the region.
There are two complete symphony orchestras to cater for players of differing standards, and also the Sinfonietta for less experienced players.
The orchestras meet each Friday evening at the Offerton School Campus, The Fairway, Offerton, Stockport during term-time to rehearse -coached by experienced professional performers.
Advanced players are also encouraged to perform solo items with the orchestras in our series of concerts which are held throughout each season in the Town Hall, Stockport. Stockport Youth Orchestra encourages the development of musical talent by teaching people to perform to high standards. Many past members are now professional musicians themselves having left SYO to enter music college or university to study music whilst others have sought different professions yet continue to perform music as a hobby.
Could I Become an Member of the Stockport Youth Orchestra?
We are always pleased to receive applications from any musicians who live within a distance of Stockport which will allow them to attend rehearsals regularly.
Am I Too Young - or Too Old?
No one is too young, anyone who has reached the standards of playing required can have an audition. At the top end of the scale players cease to be full members when they are 21 although some stay on as associate members for a while or return during college breaks to help younger members.
Entry is by a friendly audition, but as a basic guide to the standards of our orchestras we use the grades of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. However we realise that not all instrumentalists enter for these examinations but are nonetheless extremely good players and we would consider them equally.
Am I Good Enough Player?
For the Symphony Orchestra we would normally expect players to be approximately Grade 7 or above, whilst Sinfonia Orchestra members should at least compare to a good grade 5 standard. Some wind instrument players, for instance bassoons, would be considered slightly lower than this.
Players normally enter Sinfonietta at about Grade 3.
We would stress again that you do not have to have passed any grades at all but your teacher should consider that you are of a suitable standard.
What About Auditions?
We have one main auditioning session during the summer term. It is best to attend this if you can, but we do also hear candidates throughout the year if we have a vacancy for the instrument that they play.
Everyone is re-auditioned each year.
Are There Any Charges or Fees?
Members are asked for a modest annual subscription to assist with the orchestras running costs.
How Do I Join?
To find out, fill in the application form here.