Orchestras

Kent Music currently has three County level youth orchestras

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

For further information regarding auditions, membership, vacancies or booking of the Kent County Youth Orchestra, Kent Schools Orchestra or Kent Youth Chamber Orchestra, please contact the Orchestras’ Administrator, Valerie Cordina, at Kent Music on 01622 358402.

Kent County Youth Orchestra (KCYO)

KCYO consists of approximately one hundred players whose ages range from 13 to 21 years. Membership is subject to audition and is open to any young players who live in Kent. Most are still at school but some are at university or college.  The orchestra meets three times a year on five-day residential courses during holiday periods for concentrated training with tutors and conductors of national and international standing. These courses are always followed by a public concert.

KCYO was founded in 1963 and has consistently been acclaimed at home and abroad for its outstanding performances.  Today it is a key part of Kent Music’s provision for the gifted and talented young musicians of Kent.

Kent Schools Orchestra (KSO)

KSO 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 on non-residential courses held over three days during each of the Autumn and Spring half-terms. Each course is followed by a public concert. 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 7.

Kent Youth Chamber Orchestra (KYCO)

KYCO is part of Kent Music’s provision for the gifted and talented young musicians of Kent. Founded in 1994 it gives experienced players from the Kent County Youth Orchestra the opportunity to perform important repertoire for the smaller orchestra from the baroque and classical periods as well as more modern small orchestral works.