Membership conditions and frequently asked questions

• Suffolk resident and/or educated in Suffolk
• Suffolk Youth Orchestra: musicians aged 18 and under and Grade 6+ standard (or equivalent)
• Suffolk Youth Wind Band: musicians aged 18 and under and Grade 5+ standard (or equivalent)
• Suffolk Young Strings: musicians aged 16 and under and Grade 4+ standard (or equivalent)

Brass

trumpet, cornet, flugel horn, French horn, tenor horn, baritone horn, euphonium, trombone, bass trombone, tuba

Strings

violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp

Woodwind

flute, piccolo, oboe, cor anglais, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophones

Percussion

tuned including drum kit and un-tuned

Selection is very competitive and previous membership does not automatically guarantee a place although we will always recognise consistent dedication and progression.

Each season we aim for the highest possible standards for County Music Groups. We will always be seeking to build the finest ensemble available each year.

From the outset we rehearse music for the whole season, not just for the next concert, so we need continuing and consistent commitment from members.

However, you should not be deterred from applying because you are not available for absolutely everything. If there is an exceptional circumstance, please let us know when applying.

It is very difficult to manage requests once places have been given, so please think very carefully about exam commitments at the start of the season, as we do need full attendance to make this a fantastic experience for everyone (and a day of music making is the best possible break from revision).

County Music Group membership is a substantial commitment to teamwork; however, the rewards and benefits are equally as rewarding!

£1580.00 per year (SYO members)

• £200 non-refundable deposit
• 6 payments of £230.00

£1430.00 per year (SYWB members)

• £200 non-refundable deposit
• 6 payments of £205.00

£633.00 per year (SYS members )

• £200 non-refundable deposit
• 6 payments of £72.16

Included in these prices are:-

• 16 rehearsal days
• All associated performances
• Accommodation and board for residential course
• Music hire for the season
• Professional, specialist coaching and staffing
• Insurance

Additionally for SYO & SYWB

• Accommodation and half-board, transport, rehearsals and associated performances for the 7-day summer programme

RUNNING FOR THE 4TH YEAR!!  - Referral and Sibling discount options

This season we are delighted to be able to offer two discount schemes (See more details and terms and conditions below):- 

• Referral scheme* - If you sign up for the CMG programme and then refer a friend who signs up for their first time, then both parties will receive a discount of 10% off their fees (discount calculated excluding the deposit). Please note that referral discounts can be stacked up & the limit on the number of referral discounts is 10, so persuasive students could qualify for a 100% discount (minus the non-refundable deposit)
• Sibling discount scheme - If two or more siblings sign up to the CMG programme for the year then the 2nd child will receive 20% discount off their fees (discount calculated excluding the deposit). 

Terms and Conditions of referral and sibling discount schemes*.

Any awarded discount for each student will only be applied if both students complete the whole season. i.e. if either the referrer or referee/ sibling decides to leave part way through the season then neither of the students will receive the discount. 

The discount will only be applied to the last payment of the season (and this will be shown on the fees schedule sent to you should your application be successful).  

It is possible to apply for both schemes. All discounts will be off the entire years fees minus the non-refundable deposit.

Any discounts applied (including remission of fees and any grants) will be calculated excluding the deposit amount.

Members withdrawing part way through the season remain liable for the advertised full cost of the programme.

The price you pay is much less than the real cost for each ensemble as these fees are heavily subsidised by Suffolk County Music Service.

The first step to secure your place pending a successful audition is a non-refundable deposit. This deposit is necessary as SCMS will have paid monies to external agents right from the start of the season on your behalf, such as Summer programme operators and Residential Centres.

Following this, the remainder of fees owed will be broken down into a manageable 6 instalment payment schedule due over 6 months. Payment of the balance of the season’s cost is staged throughout the year in this way to help spread your financial outlay. You are, of course, free to pay the balance in one payment if you wish.

The deposit will be counted against the cost of the activities to which you have contracted yourself.  It is a condition of membership that, unless SCMS has agreed specific arrangements to the contrary, all payments are made by the due date(s).

Please be assured that if we are unable to deliver any substantive part of the programme e.g. any potential summer programme we will contact you to discuss carrying fees forward or refunding monies paid with the exception of the deposit.

Financial Help

Children in Care

Suffolk County Music Service is pleased to receive applications from Children in Care or those whose cases of particular family hardship make it difficult for them to take part in activities for which a charge is made.

Suffolk County Music Service Remissions

Remissions of up to half the cost of all activities are available if your family is in receipt of certain qualifying benefits. 

Remissions can be applied to all music service activities.

For more information about this and how to apply please visit the Remissions page.

Suffolk Music and Arts Alumni Trust

The Music Service and its partner organisation Suffolk Music and Arts Alumni Trust (SMART) invites parents/carers facing financial hardship to apply in confidence for the remission of charges in part by application to the Head of Suffolk County Music Service.  Any financial support is discretionary and subject to scrutiny and decision by the Head of Suffolk County Music Service and trustees of SMART.

The Northgate Foundation

For any members living in Ipswich or Westerfield https://www.northgatefoundation.org/

Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation

Providing grants for young people aged 17 or younger, and living in Suffolk (UK) https://www.essmf.com/

As last year, we are asking everyone who applies (regardless of which ensemble they are applying for or whether they have been a member before) to audition.

For the 26/27 season we will also be taking into account how our current (25-26 season members) have performed through the year and also whilst on tour, as results of applications will not be given until September 2026 this year.

The move to re - audition everyone is firstly to ensure that seating plans for the yearly programme can be completed with input from a larger panel and secondly, it is a step towards a more digitally interactive strand of provision for all successful applicants to our County Music Groups programme. 

The final seating plan for all ensembles will be decided by considering both the audition video submissions and involvement in the 'Come and Play Day' in October (first rehearsal). In instances where the playing standard of students is very similar then their previous membership in the ensemble and performance during the previous season, will be viewed favourably. 

Auditions will not be held online again this year but instead be via video submission and the requirements are detailed below. 

What do I need to prepare for my audition?

The requirements differ slightly depending on which ensemble you are applying for.

SYO Applicants 

You will be required to submit 3 video recordings and a written paragraph as detailed in the information below.

Where percussionists do not have access to their own orchestral instruments we will be happy to accept a piece performed on Snare Drum. 

SYWB and SYS Applicants 

You will be required to submit 1 video recording and a written paragraph as detailed in the information below. 

Where percussionists do not have access to their own orchestral instruments we will be happy to accept a piece performed on Snare Drum or Drum Kit. 

In addition to the above we would also like all applicants (regardless of the ensemble that they are applying for) to provide an emailed written paragraph of no more than 150 words answering the 2 following questions:

Recording Advice

Using a mobile phone to record your video is totally fine. When recording your video submissions there is no requirement to use additional microphones providing both picture and sound are clear. 

Please ensure that posture and in particular fingers, are clearly visible during the recording. 

Please also ensure that the view is not impeded by music stands. 

Where do I need to send my videos and written paragraph to when i have completed them?

When completed please name each video as follows 'SURNAME INITIAL Instrument Ensemble applying for Video 1' e.g.  BLOGGS J Violin SYS Video 1. 

Please also name your written paragraph in the same format using written paragraph e.g.  BLOGGS J Violin SYS Written Paragraph

Please use WeTransfer (see the document at 'how to' guide) to send the files to clare.lewis@suffolk.gov.uk This will ensure that there is no limit to the size of file being sent.

Do I have to submit everything all in one go?

No - there are different deadlines for different elements of the application process this year - due to the fact that results of applications will not be given until September. Please see the table below for further details:- 

What happens after the closing date?

After all auditions have taken place, all applicants will be put into a ranking order and our ensemble team will meet to finalise players for all ensembles. We will aim to send you your result by email by Friday 4 September 2026.

Your commitment and availability

By accepting this offer you agree to a binding commitment. Indications of non-availability advised at the application stage have been considered both individually and with regard to their impact on the ensemble as a whole. We will contact your school to explore authorised-absence opportunities if your school is still in session during any of our advertised dates.

Following the 24 June 2026 closing date, we will make the necessary musical decisions to form our County Music Groups, such as where you will sit in your section and with whom. It is a condition of the offer of a place that you accept these decisions.

I consent to my child being a member of the County Music Groups for the 2026-2027 season and to them taking part in the associated activities.

This may include:

• Rehearsal days at various sites in the UK
• Concerts at various UK sites
• Residential courses within the UK
• European Concert Tours including recreational activities

Suffolk County Music Service (SCMS) will send you specific information about each activity before it takes place. 

I will notify SCMS of any existing or new medical conditions or disabilities that may affect my child being able to fully take part in County Music Group activities.

When my child has been offered a place within a County Music Group I will provide the contract and personal information as requested. I will keep SCMS notified of any change to the data provided throughout the season of 2026-2027. I understand that failure to provide this information may impact on my child being able to take part in the ensemble programme.

I acknowledge that SCMS staff will be liable in the event of any accident only if they have failed to take reasonable care of my child during the activity/activities. 

I have read any information provided with regard to the attendance, standard of behaviour and code of conduct expected of all members and I undertake to reinforce this information with my child. 

I consent to my child receiving medical treatment which, in the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner, may be necessary.

I have paid the membership fee or have applied for fee remission. For remissions, I undertake to notify Suffolk County Council immediately of any change to the circumstances set out and understand that the Council may check any of the facts given with other agencies.

I have read the Music Service’s Audio/Visual Permissions policy.