West of England Youth Orchestra
Next Course Dates
Winter 2024-25: Monday 30 December - Saturday 4 January
Spring 2025: Wednesday 9 - Saturday 12 April
Summer 2025: Sunday 24 - Saturday 30 August
Programme details
3 courses per academic year – at the end of the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays
12-21
Fixed annual membership fee of £100 + course fee of £100 (financial support is available)
Wiltshire Music Centre
Wiltshire Music Centre Ashley Road Bradford-on-Avon UK
01225 860 100
Find Out MoreOngoing
Experience, explore, and discover repertoire - and make new friends!
The West of England Youth Orchestra (WEYO) is a full-size symphony orchestra that provides young musicians from Wiltshire and the surrounding area with opportunities to perform with other aspiring young musicians and leading professionals. Make new friends, pursue your creative potential and have the chance to play and perform exciting repertoire. Take part in a musical adventure with other young musicians and leading professionals.
Principally conducted by Tim Redmond (professor of conducting at Guildhall School, London), as well as special guest conductors, and with a team of exceptional instrumental tutors, WEYO meets three times per year during the holidays for orchestra courses at the Wiltshire Music Centre.
See WEYO in action!
WEYO's next concerts are on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 January 2025 - click below for tickets!
Buy tickets
Who can join WEYO?
We’re looking for young musicians aged 12-21 interested in getting involved in their next musical adventure! Experience in performing in symphony orchestras or other large ensembles is desired but not essential.
Please see criteria below.
Grade 7 or equivalent and above
Oboe
Bassoon/Contrabassoon
(Our flute and clarinet sections are currently full)
Grade 7 or equivalent and above
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone (Tenor/Bass)
Tuba
Grade 7 or equivalent and above
Timpani
Orchestral Percussion
Grade 7 or equivalent and above
Violin
Viola
Double Bass
Harp
(Our cello section is currently full)
Auditioning
Yes, there is an audition process. You’ll be asked to play two contrasting pieces of your own choice and some orchestral excerpts (given to you in advance). We love to be able to meet and audition you in person however if that’s not possible, there is the option to audition by video.
Yes – we try to hold free Taster Days at least once per year. Details of the next Taster Day will appear on this page.
Autumn term auditions
We are accepting video auditions for WEYO now – click below to apply
Apply for an audition
Click the button below to register for a video audition
Apply for a video audition
Fees
Fixed cost to cover the general cost of running the ensemble. This fee guarantees participation in any virtual projects delivered due to course cancellations throughout the year. The Membership Fee is non-refundable.
Fully refundable if WMC cancels any activity in the building.
We want to make sure finances are never a barrier to anyone wanting to get involved. With support from Wiltshire Music Connect and individual donors, we have a small fund that can offer up to 70% financial assistance with course fees for those needing support.
Please email creativelearning@wiltshiremusic.org.uk or call 01225 860100 for more information.
Sibling WEYO Members are eligible for a 5% reduction on all fees.
Partners
Membership
Join as a Friend and help us continue bringing world-class music to the Centre, while enjoying special events and access to artists. It's a great way to get closer to the music and meet new friends, while providing vital support for our concerts and educational projects.
Join now