County Music Groups

Orchestras, bands and jazz orchestra

Photo 7 for website SYWB Lower Brass

Join us at our FREE Come and Play Days on Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 October 2024 where you can try Suffolk Youth Orchestra, Suffolk Youth Wind Band, Suffolk Young Strings and Suffolk Youth Jazz Orchestra for FREE! 

To register, please complete our Come and Play Day sign up form here

Suffolk County Music Service (SCMS) runs a bespoke programme for Suffolk’s finest young musicians. These high-level County Music Groups offer exciting performance opportunities throughout the year, performing at prestigious venuesSelected ensembles also have the opportunity to tour internationally each year. 

Ensembles are coached by SCMS’s professional team of tutors and guest artists from our partner professional orchestras, which in recent seasons have included the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.  

  • Suffolk Youth Orchestra: for instrumentalists aged 21 and under, playing at Grade 6+ standard and above (or equivalent).  

  • Suffolk Youth Wind Band: for woodwind, brass & percussion players aged 21 and under, playing at Grade 5+ standard and above (or equivalent).  

  • Suffolk Young Strings: a string orchestra for players aged 16 and under, playing at Grade 4+ standard (or equivalent).  

  • Suffolk Youth Jazz Orchestra: for trumpet players, trombonists, saxophonists, drummers & percussionists, guitarists, a keyboard/piano player and a bassist (electric or acoustic). Grade 5+ standard.  Other instruments considered upon request. Applications for this will be available very soon. Applications are now open and you can find out more on our SYJO page.

Why join?

  • Regular International concert tours. Suffolk Youth Orchestra and Suffolk Youth Wind Band presently tour annually, the aspiration is for Suffolk Youth Jazz Orchestra and Suffolk Youth Brass Band to start touring as soon as viable.
  • Perform in prestigious concert halls, including Snape Maltings.
  • Work with, and learn from professional musicians such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
  • Take your instrumental skills to the very highest levels.
  • Learn, play and perform a varied and exciting programme of music.
  • Develop your ensemble performance skills.
  • Play with like-minded musicians and friends as part of a brilliant team!
  • Experience a progressive pathway in your personal, musical and broader educational development and gather excellent experience for your CV/ College/University application statements.

More information

Find our rehearsal and performance dates for the 2024-25 season.

Read on to find our costs, membership conditions and frequently asked questions.

Open the menu below to find out how to apply and read more information about the County Music Groups.

Contact us if you have any questions by email county.musicservice@suffolk.gov.uk or phone 01473 263400. 

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