Good experience

Yorchestra offers young players the experience of playing in a symphony orchestra with the full range  of orchestral instruments. This opportunity is not always available in school orchestras where the range of instruments can  be limited. It also provides the opportunity for players meet others with similar interests. New friendships are made and playing skills noticeable improved after a few days intensive work.

Great facilities

The courses take place away from the school environment in the York University Music Department which is specially designed to rehearse a full symphony orchestra with all its sections.

Excellent tutors

Yorchestra is tutored by an excellent group of professional musicians drawn from the local area, Leeds, Manchester and London. They are also assisted by student tutors. A number of past Yorchestra players are now also professional musicians, and several now teach regularly on the courses.

Fun

The standards of musicianship are high at Yorchestra and the courses are intensive. It is nevertheless, a holiday course where everyone has fun and enjoys themselves, getting to know some of the best classical music repertoire.

Yorchestra is a registered charity

Yorchestra is non-profit making organisation which has been running courses since 1992. It is a registered charity overseen by Trustees who meet regularly. The courses are run by a volunteer committee with additional support from players parents during the courses. Parents of all players are asked to join a rota to give a small amount of time during each course to help with supervision at break times.

All local, young musicians are welcome to apply

All young musicians of a suitable standard are invited to apply. There are more places available for string players than for wind instruments and early application is always advised. Places are offered on a firstcome first-served basis and can fill very quickly.