Our Ensembles
We offer a variety of ensembles for orchestral and band instrumentalists, which are organised by Cameron Reed, Youth Engagement Assistant. There are bands and orchestras for young musicians of all ages and abilities.
The ensembles rehearse on weekday evenings during term time and are a great way to enjoy music-making and meet friends. There are concerts at the end of each term and players can also take part in our residential music weekends away (years 4-8) and European concert tours (year 9+).
Ensemble prices
£64
per term
£32
for a sibling
£11
per additional ensemble
More about our ensembles
Download our Ensembles Welcome Pack, with key information and further details about the ensembles we offer.
Our Ensembles
Mondays 5.00pm – 6.00pm
Young Musicians String Group
Conducted by Philip Aslangul
beginner
Young Musicians String Group (YMSG) members are beginners with two to three terms’ experience of learning their instrument. The ensemble consists of violins, violas, cellos and double basses.
Mondays 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Young Musicians Training Orchestra
Conducted by David Brooker
beginner
Young Musicians Training Orchestra (YMTO) is the first full orchestra for young players of string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire including classical, film and pop music.
Fridays 4.45pm – 6.15pm
Young Musicians Orchestra
Conducted by Frank Zielhorst
intermediate
Young Musicians Orchestra (YMO) has the same instrumentation as YMTO but performs a more challenging repertoire that includes music of many different styles.
Fridays 5.30pm – 8.00pm
Sutton Youth Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Philip Aslangul
advanced
Sutton Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO) is a full symphony orchestra for advanced orchestral instrumentalists. The repertoire is demanding and varied and senior players are often invited to perform solo concertos with the orchestra. The orchestra takes part in annual European concert tours (year 9+) and has performed at many prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Fesitval Hall and Dorking Halls.
Monday 4.45pm – 5.45pm
Sutton Youth Training Band
Conducted by Roger Willey
beginner
Sutton Youth Training Band (SYTB) is a beginner level band for woodwind, brass and percussion players. Members should have two to three terms’ experience of learning their instrument.
Tuesday 5.00 – 6.00pm
Sutton Youth Symphonic Band
Conducted by Roger Willey
intermediate
Sutton Youth Symphonic Band (SYSB) has the same instrumentation as SYTB, but the level of playing is higher with a varied repertoire that includes film, TV and show music, jazz and swing, as well as traditional wind band compositions and arrangements.
Tuesdays 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Sutton Youth Wind Orchestra
Roger Willey
advanced
Sutton Youth Wind Orchestra (SYWO) is our senior concert band for advanced woodwind, brass and percussion players. The repertoire is challenging and extremely varied including arrangements and original works for wind band drawn from many styles of music. SYWO takes part in annual European concert tours (year 9+) and has performed at many prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Fairfield Halls, Dorking Halls and Birmingham Symphony Hall.
Thursday 5.00 – 6.30pm
Sutton Youth Singers
Conducted by Natalie Vesty
Sutton Young Singers (SYS) is an elite choir for enthusiatic and talented young singers aged 8-13, open to boys and girls with unbroken voices.
Thursday 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Sutton Youth Choir
Conducted by Natalie Vesty
Sutton Youth Choir (SYC) is an elite choir for enthusiatic and talented young singers aged 13-18, aimed at broken and unbroken SATB voices.
Academy Ensembles
In addition to our large ensemble opportunities, we run a series of smaller ensembles to help students develop their musicianship and performance skills. For more information about BFG Brass, FAB Band, and our string quartets, please click here.
