Orchestras

Orchestras Kent Music currently has three County Youth Orchestras:

• Kent County Youth Orchestra (KCYO)
• Kent Schools Orchestra (KSO)
• Kent Youth Chamber Orchestra (KYCO)

Complete An Online Audition Application Form 

Kent County Youth Orchestra Audition Application Form

Kent County Youth Orchestra (KCYO)

Since its formation in 1963, Kent County Youth Orchestra has consistently been acclaimed at home and abroad for its outstanding performances of an impressive range of orchestral masterpieces. Today it is a key part of Kent Music's provision for talented young musicians. The orchestra's success stems from exceptionally positive esprit de corps, players' enthusiasm and commitment, and the skill and dedication of the leading professional musicians involved in their training. Many tutors are ex-KCYO players: all have substantial experience with orchestras of world renown.

Performing with top international soloists and guest conductors also enhances achievement. Over recent years the orchestra has worked with Stephen Barlow, Ian Bousfield, Robert Cohen, Peter Donohoe, Evelyn Glennie, Barry Griffiths, Fiona Kim, John Lill, Joanna MacGregor, Peter Stark and John Wallis. Sponsorship helps fund the engagement of such quality artists as well as the purchase of the best specialist instruments and equipment.

KCYO usually promotes three public concerts a year. Occasionally one is broadcast by BBC Radio 3 or Radio Kent. The orchestra has been engaged to give concerts for other promoters such as The National Trust, Kent Red Cross, Thanet and Sandwich Rotary Clubs and The Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition. The orchestra has been televised for a BBC Television education series and, with sponsorship from SEEBOARD, produced its first CD

KCYO undertakes regular foreign concert tours when players become musical ambassadors for Kent and the UK. In recent years, KCYO has represented the county and country in Argentina (twice), Brazil (twice), Catalonia, France (twice), Holland and Portugal. Concert programmes comprise works from the standard symphonic repertoire but new music is sometimes commissioned too, the most recent being Simon Proctor's Viola Concerto . This work was premiered on 6th April 2002 in Mote Hall, Maidstone. Previous commissions have been Paul Patterson's White Shadows on a Dark Horizon , Nigel Osborne's Tracks , Simon Proctor's Trombone Concerto and Tommy Pearson's Time Dances.

Places in Kent County Youth Orchestra are awarded through competitive audition. Successful applicants receive excellent preparation for a professional career in music or a lifetime's fulfilment playing at top amateur level. Above all, the orchestra gives the county's young virtuosi a unique opportunity to make music and share its magic with admiring audiences in Kent and beyond.

Kent Schools Orchestra (KSO)

Kent Schools Orchestra creates opportunities for players of school age to perform at county level. It aims to extend musical skills, knowledge and understanding through intensive but enjoyable full and sectional rehearsals followed by a public concert. Study of suitably challenging works are directed by highly qualified Kent Music staff.

How to apply

Rehearsals are non-residential and held over 3 days during the Autumn and Spring half-terms. Your application is welcome if you are an accomplished school age orchestral player who has achieved beyond Grade 6 or an equivalent standard in most instruments. Woodwind, especially flute and clarinet players, may need to have achieved a standard beyond grade 6.

There are no auditions, although bearing in mind the need to recruit a balanced orchestra, acceptance depends upon the standard you have achieved and your orchestral experience to date. Where two or more players of similar ability and experience are in competition for a place, the one not already a member of a county group (such as the Kent Youth Orchestra or Kent Youth Wind Orchestra) will be selected. A recommendation may also be sought from your instrumental teacher.

COMMITMENT: You are asked to commit yourself to both the Autumn and Spring three-day courses.

Application forms are available from our Maidstone office on request, please call 01622 358402 or download an application form directly.

Kent Youth Chamber Orchestra (KYCO)

KYCO is part of Kent Music’s provision for talented young Kent musicians. Founded in 1994, it gives experienced players from Kent County Youth Orchestra a crucial opportunity to perform important repertoire for smaller orchestra from the baroque, classical and later periods

In 1999, KYCO presented a series of high profile concerts in Bruges, Brussels, Liege, Lille and Maidstone to mark Kent's presidency of Euroregion. It was fully funded by Euroregion and Pfizer.

Kent Youth Chamber Orchestra enjoys a close relationship with Kent Chamber Choir with whom it has performed almost every year since its inception.

Application: Any current Kent County Youth Orchestra member interested in being considered for a place in Kent Youth Chamber Orchestra should contact Geoff Dixon, Manager, KCYO.