Musicians wanted! Somerset County Youth Concert Band (SCYCB) and orchestra are one of the most recognised instrumental groups in Somerset and are looking for musicians to join them.
Do you play a string, brass, woodwind or percussion instrument? If so, then you could be just what they are looking for.
Their emphasis is on “real music” i.e no simplified versions – exactly the same music and parts as professional musicians. They give concerts all over the county as well occasionally, going abroad.
The SCYCB meet for a few days in the Christmas and Easter school holidays for intensive rehearsals that end with a concert and also arrange a residential course in the summer, usually during the last week of the term.
The Concert Band consists of full woodwind, brass and percussion/drums sections. The Orchestra has smaller woodwind, brass and percussion sections, with a large string section.
You need to be at least Grade 5 standard to join so competition for some places can be quite tough. Most players join the groups before they are 16 and some are as young as 12. The sections are led by very experienced players and during courses, they will arrange for tutors to lead sectionals.
Auditions are held in October each year and lasts for approximately fifteen minutes. They auditions are quite informal, and you’ll have the opportunity to chat with some of the staff from each group.
If you are interested, you’ll need to bring a prepared piece, either accompanied or unaccompanied to play (please note we do not supply an accompanist) and will be asked to do some sight-reading and to play a few appropriate scales.
The orchestra and band have an annual subscription of £160 to help towards the costs of tutors, venues and music. Meanwhile, the summer residential courses do carry some extra expenses and a foreign tour can cost up to £500 per person, but payment can be spread throughout the you year.
If you’re interested, you can download a form from the SCYCB Facbook Page, fill it in and send it to Somerset Music as soon as possible or contact us here at Tone News.
You can choose to audition for one or both groups – just tick the appropriate boxes – although you can only become a member of one, as the courses run at the same time.
Musicians wanted NOW!
