Suffolk County Music Service (SCMS) runs a bespoke programme for Suffolk’s finest young musicians. These high-level County Music Groups offer exciting performance opportunities throughout the year, performing at prestigious venues. Selected ensembles also have the opportunity to tour internationally each year.
Ensembles are coached by SCMS’s professional team of tutors and guest artists from partner professional orchestras, which in recent seasons have included the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
- Suffolk Youth Orchestra: for instrumentalists aged 21 and under, playing at Grade 6+ standard and above (or equivalent).
- Suffolk Youth Wind Band: for woodwind, brass & percussion players aged 21 and under, playing at Grade 5+ standard and above (or equivalent).
- Suffolk Young Strings: a string orchestra for players aged 16 and under, playing at Grade 4+ standard (or equivalent).
- Suffolk Youth Jazz Programme: for trumpet players, trombonists, saxophonists, drummers & percussionists, guitarists, a keyboard/piano player and a bassist (electric or acoustic). Grade 5+ standard. Other instruments considered upon request. Applications are now open and you can find out more on our SYJP page.
Why join?
- Regular International concert tours. Suffolk Youth Orchestra and Suffolk Youth Wind Band presently tour annually, the aspiration is for Suffolk Youth Jazz Orchestra and Suffolk Youth Brass Band to start touring as soon as viable.
- Perform in prestigious concert halls, including Snape Maltings.
- Work with, and learn from professional musicians such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
- Take your instrumental skills to the very highest levels.
- Learn, play and perform a varied and exciting programme of music.
- Develop your ensemble performance skills.
- Play with like-minded musicians and friends as part of a brilliant team!
- Experience a progressive pathway in your personal, musical and broader educational development and gather excellent experience for your CV/ College/University application statements.