Ensembles
The Southampton Youth Orchestras consist of a pyramid of orchestras and string ensembles. Players have the opportunity of progressing through the ensembles, or sometimes coming directly in at a higher level. A 'Pyramid' Concert showcasing all our orchestras is held at the Central Hall each March, with this year's event scheduled for 10 March 2012.
To date, both these and other ensembles have received core funding from Southampton Music Services (SMS), part of Southampton City Council. This funding has come from both central government and SCC. Details about some (not all) of the orchestras can be found on the SMS website.
Included here are some of the individual reports, in .pdf format, from ensemble Musical Directors. These were all presented at the FSYO AGM in November 2011, and reflect the structure up to July 2011. Reorganisations made since then have been made to ensure that the junior and intermediate groups have a suitable number of players, and continue to offer the best experience of ensemble playing. Additionally, you may be interested in the Chair's Report for the year.
| Ensemble | Rehearsals | 2010-11 AGM Report |
|---|---|---|
| First Steps ensembles - contact Zoë Hunting | Ludlow Junior School (Mon 3.45-4.30) Springhill Primary (Mon 4.00-4.45) Oakwood (Tues 3.45-4.00) St Denys Primary (Tues 3.45-4.30) |
N/A |
| New Elgar Strings - MD Zoë Hunting | Hollybrook Junior (Mon 4.15-5.15) | |
| Southampton Youth Sinfonietta (SYS) - MD Christa Porter | Cantell (Mon 4.00-5.45) | |
| Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) - MD Martin Felton, manager Sue Edmonds | Regents Park (Sat 9.30-12.00) | |
| Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO) - MD Jane Higgins | Tauntons College (Sat 9.30-12.30) |
In addition, Southampton Music Service supports other ensembles including Brass Bands, Jazz Orchestra, Pops Orchestra, Youth Choir, Youth Wind Band, plus other groups for younger players.
Visits, tours and other offsite events may require an Educational Visit Information and Consent Form to be filled in. SYO's MD has been assured by the County Outdoor Education Officer that one trawl for this information per year is deemed sufficient; hopefully this extends to other ensembles too! However, if you do change your contact phone numbers mid-year, or a new medical condition emerges, or there is anything else that should be known about, please remember to inform your ensemble director. For a .pdf version of the blank form click here.