Southampton Music Service not just serve the city, but the whole region around Southampton providing a range of ensembles for different abilities and ages.  (By tier)

Auditions 2008 - the deadline has now passed for applications to the top tier ensembles

The Southampton Youth Orchestra is the top orchestra in a pyramid of 7 other city orchestras.  Starting at the bottom of the pyramid is the Purcell Strings and Finzi Strings each serving one half of the city.  They are for beginner level string players.  The next stage is the Elgar Strings and Holst Strings, again serving one half of the city.  After this players can progress to the Youth Sinfonietta which is a full orchestra and then onto the Youth Concert Sinfonia.  This set up really works well as players can progress through the orchestras as their playing improves. To join the Youth Orchestra is by audition only and to gain entry to the other orchestras is by teacher recommendation or by contacting us.

The Orchestras are supported by the 'Friends of Southampton Youth Orchestras' they provide support at concerts, help raise funds towards all orchestras, subsidies orchestral tours, buy extra equipment and music, and also serve the all important drinks, biscuits, cakes and sweets during rehearsal breaks!

The Southampton Youth Brass Bands are of a similar set up.  The Youth Band is at the top of the pyramid.  Next are the Training Band (ATOB), Concert Brass and then the Junior Band (Masterbrass).  Players generally stay in each Band for 2 years before progressing, but this is depends on standard of playing and the Band Directors discretion.  Entry to the Youth Band is by audition only and to the others by teacher recommendations or by contacting us.

The Brass Bands would not be without their 'Friends' organisation.  They help the Bands during rehearsals, provide support on all trips and tours, subsidise tours, help raise money wherever any of the Bands are playing such as outdoor concerts and buy instruments and equipment to help the Bands.

These Orchestras and Bands are only a few of the ensembles we have on offer in Southampton.  Please check out the pages for the top tier ensembles who have their own pages or check the listings under orchestras, bands, choirs and other for all the opportunities available - you will really be surprised! Information is provided on each ensemble and at the bottom of every page is a link to the enquiry form should you be interested in joining.

If you are interested in being involved in the 'Friends' organisations for the Southampton Brass Bands or Youth Orchestras please contact us and we will put you in touch with them.

Auditions for our top tier ensembles usually happen during the spring term before Easter.  Watch this space for further information.

If you are currently a member in an ensemble and your details have changed lately you can download a database update sheet.