Orchestras
Orchestras
Playing in an orchestra is a fantastic way to develop as a musician, make friends and experience the excitement of making music with others. Across Somerset and Dorset, there are orchestral opportunities for children and young people at different ages and stages from beginner and training string groups through to youth symphony orchestras, jazz orchestras and advanced ensembles.
Some groups welcome players in the early stages of learning, while others have suggested grade levels or require an audition. There are also inclusive opportunities using acoustic, electronic and accessible instruments. Explore the groups below to find an orchestra that could be the right next step. If you’re not sure which opportunity is suitable, contact the group directly they’ll be happy to advise.
To help you find opportunities near you, Somerset groups are shown in green and Dorset groups in blue.
Camerata Strings (PSYM)
Advanced strings, progression from Mezzo Maestros. Senior string orchestra
Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO)
Grade 4+, confident reader, under 21. Jazz orchestra / big band
Dorset Youth Symphony Orchestra (DYSO)
Full county youth/training orchestra. Grade 3+, under 21/full-time education
Frome Youth String Orchestra (FYSO)
Ensemble. String orchestra.Beginner→Grade 8
Somerset Youth Concert Band
County youth orchestra Advanced (Grade 5+)
Somerset Youth Orchestra
County youth orchestra Advanced (Grade 5+)
Taunton Children’s Orchestra
aunton’s award winning chamber symphony orchestra for young people,
Wells Young Musicians String Orchestra
String orchestra, junior/training Beginner→Grade 5
Wessex Apprentice & New Strings
Youth string ensembles run by Youth Music Wessex on Saturday mornings
Wessex Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO)
Full symphony orchestra, audition entry Advanced (Grade 6–8+)
Yeovil Music Centre – Orchestra
Grade 3 to professional orchestra, meets Tuesday and all ages welcome.