West of England Youth Orchestra
Next Course Dates
Spring 2025: Wednesday 9 - Saturday 12 April with Alexandra Dariescu
Summer 2025: Monday 25 - Sunday 31 August
Programme details
3 courses per academic year – at the end of the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays
Musicians aged 12-21, Grade 7+ (or equivalent)
£100 annual membership fee + £100 course fee (financial support is available)
Wiltshire Music Centre
Wiltshire Music Centre Ashley Road Bradford-on-Avon UK
01225 860 100
Find Out MoreOngoing
Make new friends, pursue your creative potential and explore exciting music!
The West of England Youth Orchestra (WEYO) is a full-size symphony orchestra that provides young musicians aged 12-21 from Wiltshire and the surrounding area with opportunities to perform with other instrumentalists and learn from leading professionals.
Principally conducted by Tim Redmond (professor of conducting at Guildhall School, London), WEYO meets at WMC three times per year during school holidays for non-residential courses lasting between 4 and 7 days, culminating in concerts in our world-class auditorium. Working with your conductor, a team of exceptional instrumental tutors and totally inspiring guest artists, you will explore new repertoire and push your musical development to new heights!
For each course, WEYO is joined by an inspirational professional soloist – recent guests have included Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux (violin), Ariel Lanyi (piano), Alice Neary (cello) and Ben Goldscheider (French horn). Next up in Spring 2025 is trailblazing pianist Alexandra Dariescu!
Spring 2025 auditions are now open!
Read on to find out more about membership of WEYO and then click the 'Apply for a WEYO audition' button to sign up for a video audition. Auditions are free and you will receive more information by email once you have applied. Video submission deadline: Friday 21 March
Apply for a WEYO audition
Who can join WEYO?
We’re looking for young musicians aged 12-21 interested in finding 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 once per year. Details of the next Taster Day will appear on this page.
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.
Yes – 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 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.
See WEYO in action!
WEYO's next concerts with superstar pianist Alexandra Dariescu are on Saturday 12 April 2025 - click below for tickets!
Buy tickets
Related events
West of England Youth Orchestra: Concerto
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.
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