Orchestras and City Ensembles

Brighton Youth Orchestra

BYO is the flagship youth orchestra acting as “Young Persons Ambassadors” for the City of Brighton & Hove.  The orchestra performs major symphonic repertoire, some of which has been premiered by the orchestra such as Sir John Tavener's 'Exstasis' and takes part in exciting collaborations with choirs, dance, drama groups and even graffiti artists.  BYO has in recent years also performed with Micola Benedetti, Evelyn Glennie, John Tomlinson, Richard Durrant and Joanna McGregor.  Concerts in recent years have ranged from the Dome in Brighton & Hove to Hong Kong and Berlin.  The basic requirement is Grade 7 but some sections will need a higher standard.

• Audition Information 2009

Brighton & Hove Youth Concert Band

Brighton & Hove Youth Concert Band is a unique opportunity for woodwind, brass and percussion players who enjoy playing music in a range of styles including film, jazz, rock, classical and contemporary. The Band gives several concerts a year and has recently performed at venues in Brighton and the South East. Recent performances have included the Holst Suite in Eb and music from the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Applications are invited from pupils at secondary schools who have reached a standard of Grade 6 or above.

• Audition Information 2009

Brighton & Hove Junior Youth Orchestra

This is an exciting orchestra where players will get their first experience of the full orchestral sound with strings, brass, woodwind and percussion together.  The orchestra play exciting repertoire ranging from Haydn Symphonies to popular works and orchestral arrangements.  Players are invited to apply for an informal audition.  Minimum standard is Grade 3 but some sections will need a higher standard.

• Audition Information 2009

Brighton & Hove Youth Big Band

The Big Band provides an opportunity for young jazz musicians to explore music from the classic swing period through to modern day jazz and funk styles.

Throughout the year the band has an exciting performance schedule, recently playing at The Ellipse, Brighton Centre, Concert Hall Brighton Dome, The Old Market and the Komedia. Tours are also a regular feature of the bands schedule recently performing to great acclaim at the International Montreaux Jazz Festival. This year we will be taking part in the Music for Youth Festival, the Brighton Early Music Festival in collaboration with the Perfect House Plants and performing at a festival in Belgium.

Applications are invited from secondary age musicians on drum kit, aux. percussion, bass and rhythm guitar, keyboard, saxophone, trombone and trumpet who have reached a minimum standard of grade 6 or above.

Click on the first three links below to listen to live recordings of the Big Band playing at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

• Audition Information 2009

Brighton & Hove Youth Philharmonia

This is a full symphony orchestra which like BYO offers students an opportunity to perform major symphonic works such as Sheherezade or Dvorak symphonies. Performances range from larger venues in the city of Brighton & Hove to concert halls abroad on tour usually during the Easter holiday. Applicants of secondary school age up to 18 years old are invited to audition. The minimum requirement is grade 5 but some sections will need a higher standard.

•  Audition Information 2009