All about our music groups

There's nothing quite like the experience of playing in an orchestra or band. Our music groups offer players who have reached a certain standard, and over 18s in the case of our adult groups, a chance to rehearse and perform with others, make new friends and improve their playing.

What are 'county music groups'?

We call our main groups 'county music groups' to distinguish them from the groups based at our centres. We also include some of the adult groups we run that are not part of a music centre in our definition of 'county music groups'.

Some of our music centres also run groups - these tend to offer a starting point for a young person's experience of playing in our groups, although some, including our jazz centre, are for more advanced players.

Where are they based?

Groups meet on a regular basis outside of school hours - some are based at our music centres, others at schools or other community settings.

Each year we present a four-day festival, 'Youth Makes Music' in Cheltenham, at which all the groups perform, and groups also perform at other concerts throughout the county.

How can I join?

Anyone can join a group. You can join online (scroll down and you'll see a button on the left of this page) or by post to the address on our Contact page.

You can join at any time although auditions for our two senior orchestras Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra (GYO) and Gloucestershire Youth Sinfonia (GYS) are held once a year during May. There are auditions for some of our other groups too or we'll need a letter or email from your tutor to confirm you're receiving lessons, and that the group is right for you.

How much does it cost?

Subscription is amazing value at just £99 a year for youth groups and £105 or £129 (depending on number of rehearsals) for adults groups which equates to just around £4 per session. This fee covers the year Sept 2009 - August 2010 and if you join part way through the year we'll reduce your fee accordingly.
 
Music Group members are also entitled to 10% discount at certain shops - see our FAQs for more information.

Came here looking for bands or other groups? Check out the LIVE MUSIC IN GLOS page.