Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra (GYO)
Join our national award-winning youth orchestra and represent Gloucestershire at the highest level of youth music making.
Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra was formed in 1951 and is one of the county music groups run by Gloucestershire Music (local authority music service).
The orchestra rehearses on Friday evenings during term-time, and may give as many as six concerts a year, performing programmes that range from the 18th century to the present day. In July 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, GYO were awarded national recognition for their performances by attending Music for Youth’s National Festival as well as special recognition for their innovative performances.
Membership of GYO is by audition only. String, brass and percussion players need to be at around a grade 7 standard and woodwind players around grade 8. A positive attitude and commitment to rehearsals and concerts is required.
New members are auditioned (perform a short piece and sight reading) and then asked to attend two rehearsals to assess their position within the orchestra. Current members are able to request an audition to assess their ability if they wish to be considered for a new positon within the orchestra (if a vacancy allows).
Members are expected to attend 8 / 10 rehearsals a term (as a minimum) and give a firm commitment to all concert engagements. Some flexibility is given in the summer term for those who have exams. Absences from rehearsals should be communicated directly to Jon Trim email: jon.trim@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Statement for all County Music Groups regarding membership
Grades are only a guide to the level required. More important is a strong commitment and positive attitude alongside good sight reading and general musicianship skills. Teachers may recommend students for a specific group but the Musical Director has the final decision to whether a student is ready for entry into an ensemble. Once you have gained a place in one of the county music groups, you will be required to maintain a high percentage of attendance at rehearsals and concerts. A place within an ensemble may be withdrawn if commitment is deemed unsatisfactory. You can audition and join at any point throughout the year. If a group is preparing for a concert or festival, you may be asked to wait a few weeks before joining.
Session timetable
Fridays from 6.30 - 8:30pm (during term time only) at Colwell Arts Centre, Derby Road, Gloucester. GL1 4AD
Please check the full rehearsal schedule on the GM calendar
Information for new members
Attendance and Auditions
Attendance at 8/10 rehearsals and all concerts is expected. Persistent failure to notify absence may result in your membership being cancelled. This might appear strict - but, with usually only five or six rehearsals between each concert, it really is vital that you don’t miss any. Missing a concert can result in your membership being cancelled.
New members are auditioned (perform a short piece and sight reading) and then asked to attend two rehearsals to assess their position within the orchestra. Current members are able to request an audition to assess their ability if they wish to be considered for a new position within the orchestra (if a vacancy allows).
Statement for all County Music Groups regarding membership
Grades are only a guide to the level required. More important is a strong commitment and positive attitude alongside good sight reading and general musicianship skills. Teachers may recommend students for a specific group but the Musical Director has the final decision to whether a student is ready for entry into an ensemble. Once you have gained a place in one of the county music groups, you will be required to maintain a high percentage of attendance at rehearsals and concerts. A place within an ensemble maybe withdrawn if commitment is deemed unsatisfactory. You can audition and join at any point throughout the year. If a group is preparing for a concert or festival, you may be asked to wait a few weeks before joining.
Music
The music for each concert will be issued to you in a folder. Keep the music in the folder at all times. If for any reason you cannot attend a rehearsal the folder must be returned. You will be expected to pay for the replacement of any music that gets lost. (This could be as much as £60-£70 for the whole folder). Losing your folder is not a good idea!
Concert Dress
Male: Dinner Jacket, white shirt, black bow-tie, black trousers, black socks, black shoes. More informal concerts are sometimes in all black so a long sleeve plain black shirt is handy to have.
Our team
Jon Trim, Musical Director
Beccy Busuttil, Orchestra Manager
Join a group
For details of costs and how to join click here
Gallery
Photos from our recent concert at Tewkesbury Abbey:
From the Pulpit From the Nave
GYO Horn players GYO Trombone players
Friends of Gloucestershire Youth Music (FoGYM)
FoGYM is a charitable organisation set up by parents to support Gloucestershire Music by providing financial and other support in addition to that provided by Gloucestershire Music. To find out more please contact Nicholas.steel@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Contact us
Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra is held at:
Colwell Arts Centre, Derby Road, Gloucester. GL1 4AD
Tel: Jon Trim Musical Director on 01452 427242 (GM's office tel)
Email: jon.trim@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Find us here