COUNTY ENSEMBLES A PROGRAMME FOR SUFFOLK'S TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS

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1 COUNTY ENSEMBLES A PROGRAMME FOR SUFFOLK'S TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS

2 Orchestras and bands for the gifted and talented Suffolk County Music Service runs a bespoke programme for Suffolk s finest young musicians. Known as County Ensembles, these orchestras and bands offer exciting rehearsal and performance opportunities throughout the academic year. Coached by the Music Service s professional specialist tutors, County Ensembles offer progression in music making to a higher standard than any individual school or Suffolk Youth Music activity can offer. County Ensembles are the peak of the Music Service s wider Suffolk Youth Music programme, which caters for beginner to advanced young musicians.

3 Why join? Expand your instrumental skills and musical knowledge Learn, play and perform a varied and exciting programme of music Develop your ensemble performance skills Performance opportunities in local, national and international professional venues Invaluable experiences Work with like-minded young people Residential and non-residential rehearsal courses European concert tours (Suffolk Youth Orchestra) Progressive pathways in your educational development, including contributing to your CV and College/University applications

4 What's it like to take part? "This has been my first year in the Suffolk Youth Wind Ensemble. I feel extremely privileged to have been asked to join...it has been really fun and has allowed me to make new friends. The tutors are helpful, kind, funny and inspiring. My highlight since joining has been the rehearsals on the Easter residential course at Framlingham. It was amazing to be able to play in a small ensemble and play quality music together to perform at Snape Maltings." Katie, 16, Flute Suffolk Youth Wind Ensemble "After going to Suffolk Young Strings, it really helped me to become a better player as both a soloist and in an orchestra. I ve made some great new friends. I ve really enjoyed going to Framlingham College for the Easter Residential." Ivan, 12, Violin Suffolk Young Strings "Over the past three years, I ve had an amazing time in Suffolk Youth Orchestra! I have made lots of like-minded friends, played a huge range of music, improved my musicianship and developed my team-working skills. We ve toured to Germany, Poland and Spain and performed in some amazing venues. My self-confidence has grown and I am having so much fun!" Millie, 14, Flute Suffolk Youth Orchestra

5 Who can apply? Children and young people aged up to 21-years-old From Grade 4+ standard (or equivalent) Suffolk resident, educated in Suffolk, and from local Music Hub partners Brass, Percussion, String and Woodwind players Brass Strings harp, violin, viola, cello, double bass cornet, trumpet, euphonium, baritone, tenor horn, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, French horn Woodwind Percussion piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone tuned and un-tuned

6 Ensembles: an overview Suffolk Youth Orchestra For instrumentalists aged up to 21-years-old playing at Grade 6+ standard (or equivalent). Suffolk Young Strings A string orchestra for players aged under 16, playing at Grade 4+ standard (or equivalent). Suffolk Chamber Winds For woodwind and brass players aged up to 21-years-old, playing at Grade 4+ standard (or equivalent). Sony Video Game Music Programme Coaching by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra players An exciting composition, performance and recording project in partnership with Sony Games, University of Suffolk and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Please re before yoad our policies u apply Conditions of membe rship Parental c onsent Audio/visu al policy More information on

7 Suffolk Youth Orchestra We are a full symphony orchestra of around 95 players that enjoys playing major symphonic repertoire. Each season we meet for an exciting mixture of playing days, rehearsal courses and concerts. A highlight of our season is the annual Summer Concert Tour, where we get the amazing opportunity to perform abroad! We play around four concerts per tour, each in different venues. On our return, we always look forward to performing at the world-famous Snape Proms music festival. October December December April April July/August August August September Diary Trials/Auditions Playing Day Rehearsal course Residential rehearsal course Easter Concert Rehearsal course European Concert Tour Snape Proms Gala Concert

8 Last year we wrote a tour diary for Suffolk's 'Get Classical' magazine. Read it here! Belgium (2010) Spain (2011, 2018) Italy (2012, 2014) France (2013) Czech Republic and Slovak Republic (2015) Germany (2016) Poland (2017) As part of the international Somme100 FILM project in 2017, we performed two orchestral screenings of Laura Rossi s score to the Imperial War Museums 1916 film 'The Battle of the Somme'.

9 Suffolk Young Strings We are a string orchestra of around 30 players aged 16-years-old and under. We enjoy playing an exciting variety of repertoire and have fun learning new skills on our instruments! Each season we meet for a wide programme of playing days, rehearsal courses and concerts. Our ensemble works to a high performance standard and is an excellent opportunity to hone our skills in preparation for Suffolk Youth Orchestra. October December December April April July/August July/August September Diary Trials/Auditions Playing Day Rehearsal course Residential rehearsal course Easter Concert Rehearsal course Summer Concert Gala Concert

10 A highlight of our season is the Spring residential course at Framlingham College. We enjoy a variety of activities, such as full string orchestra rehearsals, string quartets, chamber groups, and performances at Snape Maltings Concert Hall! In September, all Ensembles join together for a rousing end-of-season Gala Concert at Snape Maltings Concert Hall. We get a taste of what it's like to be a professional orchestra, with our own dressing rooms, stage crew and sound checks!

11 Suffolk Chamber Winds We are a chamber ensemble of wind and brass instruments, aged up to 21-years-old. Throughout the season we enjoy playing a diverse, varied repertoire and take part in exciting performance opportunities! We have fun learning new techniques on our instruments and playing a variety of pieces to show off what we can do! Diary October December December April April July/August July/August September Trials/Auditions Playing Day Rehearsal course Residential rehearsal course Easter Concert Rehearsal course Summer Concert Gala Concert

12 This season's programme Download the programme Please check your availability before you apply. If you can't attend a particular date, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We will be more than happy to speak to you about your application. We expect you to be available for all rehearsals and performances so that all members can have an amazing ensemble experience.

13 Transport Transport is provided along main routes for most events. Stops usually include: We don't usually provide transport home after concerts, or at the beginning and end of Summer Tours that start and finish in Ipswich.

14 Costs and payment 75 per term programme membership, which includes: Up to 8 rehearsal days All associated performances Music hire for the season Professional, specialist coaching and staffing Access to an online members area on residential course, which includes: Rehearsals Accommodation and board Associated performances Insurance 650 Summer Tour (Suffolk Youth Orchestra), which includes: Accommodation and board Rehearsals and associated performances Transport whilst on tour Insurance This cost illustration is for guidance only. Precise costings will be confirmed as part of any offer of a place. Final costs will depend on activity duration, tour destination, travel, and accommodation. Members withdrawing part way through the season remain liable for the advertised full cost of the programme, less any sums that we are able to recover from our agents on their behalf, such as tour operators or residential centres. Payment can be made in full, or staged throughout the year. Financial support is available. Please visit our website for more information

15 Trials All applicants are invited to an audition or workshop at our discretion. Following the application closing date, we will notify you of your trial as soon as possible. In the meantime please keep both dates free. When you arrive, you will be greeted by our friendly Ensemble Team. They will guide you to our warm-up area and will show you to the audition room. After the trials, the Ensemble Team will meet to finalise players for all ensembles. You will receive the result from your trial during the week of Monday 5 November What do I need to prepare? Please prepare two, short, contrasting pieces or one extended piece with contrasting sections. On the day you will be asked to play some prepared excerpts, sight-reading, and a transposition exercise (where appropriate). Please visit our website to download our Trials guidance.

16 Step one How to apply Please share this information with your parents/carers. Visit our website to download this season's programme, costs, and conditions of membership. Step two Complete the application form. Check your availability. If you can't attend a particular date, please contact us before you apply. Please tell us which ensemble you're applying for. If you're not sure, you can leave this blank. You can apply for more than one ensemble however spaces in Suffolk Youth Orchestra will be filled first. If you're a woodwind or brass player, can you double on another instrument? If not, would you like to learn? If you're aged 18 or over, we do not need your parent/carer's contact details. Step three Submit your application. Online By hand - please request a digital/paper copy by ing county.musicservice@suffolk.gov.uk Application closing date: Monday 1 October 2018 We reserve the right to offer you a place in a different ensemble if we feel that this is where your talents would be best suited and your needs met.

17 Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to audition? Membership isn't automatic. We will invite everyone to audition at our discretion. Please don't let this put you off from applying! Our friendly Ensemble Team are looking forward to hearing you play, and it also provides a great opportunity for you to ask us any questions about the programme. When am I required to play? Please download our programme to find out when our rehearsals and concerts will take place. You will receive the final details for each event nearer the time. What if I can't make one of the dates? Please contact us before you apply. We will be more than happy to speak to you about your application! So we can create the best ensemble experience for everybody, we need to log planned absences in advance. I've been a member before - why do I need to apply again? Selection is very competitive. Each season we aim for the highest possible standards and will always be seeking to recruit the finest ensemble that year.

18 Contact us Northgate Arts Centre, Sidegate Lane West, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3DF