Gloucestershire Youth String Orchestra (GYSO)

Gloucestershire Youth String Orchestra (GYSO) is the premier youth string orchestra in Gloucestershire consisting of 60+ players.

This year, GYSO will perform at the Royal Albert Hall, Pittville Pump Rooms, Cheltenham Town Hall, St Mary's Church Painswick, Tetbury Goods Shed, Tewkesbury Abbey and will tour Germany in August 2026

The age range is predominantly 11 - 18 and above, although younger members are always welcome.

If you would like to join GYSO, you will need to be a minimum grade 5 level on the violin, viola, cello or double bass. Grades are only a guide to the level required, more important is a strong commitment and positive attitude alongside good sight reading and general musicianship skills.

Teachers may recommend students for a specific group but the Musical Director/Orchestral Manager has the final decision to whether a student is ready for entry into an ensemble.

Statement for all County Music Groups regarding membership

Grades are only a guide to the level required.  More important is a strong commitment and positive attitude alongside good sight reading and general musicianship skills. Teachers may recommend students for a specific group but the Musical Director has the final decision to whether a student is ready for entry into an ensemble.  Once you have gained a place in one of the county music groups, you will be required to maintain a high percentage of attendance at rehearsals and concerts.  A place within an ensemble maybe withdrawn if commitment is deemed unsatisfactory. You can audition and join at any point throughout the year.  If a group is preparing for a concert or festival, you may be asked to wait a few weeks before joining.