West of England Youth Orchestra
Next Course Dates
Wallace and Gromit's 'The Wrong Trousers': Tuesday 7 - Friday 11 April 2026
Programme details
3 courses per academic year – during the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays
Musicians aged 12-21, Grade 6/7+ (or equivalent)
£150 per course (financial support is available)
Wiltshire Music Centre
Wiltshire Music Centre Ashley Road Bradford-on-Avon UK
01225 860 100
Find Out MoreOngoing
Make new friends, pursue your creative potential and explore exciting music!
The West of England Youth Orchestra (WEYO) is a symphony orchestra that provides young musicians aged 12-21 from Wiltshire and the surrounding area with opportunities to perform with other instrumentalists and learn from leading professionals.
Principally conducted by Tim Redmond (professor of conducting at Guildhall School, London), WEYO meets at WMC three times per year during school holidays for non-residential courses lasting between 4 and 7 days, culminating in concerts in our world-class auditorium. Working with your conductor, a team of exceptional instrumental tutors and totally inspiring guest artists, you will explore new repertoire and push your musical development to new heights!
For each course, WEYO is joined by an inspirational professional soloist – recent guests have included Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux (violin), Ariel Lanyi (piano), Alice Neary (cello), Ben Goldscheider (French horn), Alexandra Dariescu (piano) and Emily Apps (voice).
Up next for WEYO… Wallace & Gromit!
We’re excited to announce that WEYO’s next project in April 2026 will be Wallace & Gromit’s ‘The Wrong Trousers’! In this fun and entertaining family-friendly show, the orchestra will be playing along live to a screening of this iconic animation film, as well as performing other treats designed to introduce the orchestra to an audience of all ages!
Returning members - sign up for the WEYO Spring Course now!
If you've attended a WEYO course before, you can sign up for the Spring Course (Tues 7 - Fri 11 April 2026) by clicking the link below!
Returning members sign up here
Interested in joining WEYO?
Join our mailing list below to find out more! We'll send out information before each course about any instrument spaces in the orchestra and how to take part
Add me to the WEYO mailing list
Who can join WEYO?
We’re looking for young musicians aged 12-21 interested in finding their next musical adventure! Experience in performing in symphony orchestras or other large ensembles is useful but not essential.
Please see criteria below.
Grade 7 or equivalent and above
Oboe
Bassoon/Contrabassoon
(Our flute and clarinet sections are currently full)
Grade 7 or equivalent and above
Trumpet
Trombone (Tenor/Bass)
Tuba
Grade 6 or equivalent and above
Timpani
Orchestral Percussion
Grade 6 or equivalent and above
Violin
Viola
Double Bass
Harp
(Our cello section is currently full)
Auditioning
Yes, there is an informal audition process so we can hear you play! You’ll be asked to play two contrasting pieces of your own choice and some orchestral excerpts (given to you to prepare in advance). We’d love to meet you in person but you have the option to send us a video of you playing too – we’ll send you more information when you sign up for an audition.
Yes – we try to hold free Taster Days once per year. Details of the next Taster Day will appear on this page.
Fees
Fully refundable if WMC cancels any activity in advance
Yes – we want to make sure finances are never a barrier to anyone wanting to get involved. We have a small fund that can offer financial assistance with course fees for those needing support. Please email creativelearning@wiltshiremusic.org.uk or call 01225 860100 for more information.
Sibling WEYO Members are eligible for a 5% reduction on all fees.
Related events
West of England Youth Orchestra: Wallace & Gromit – The Wrong Trousers with Live Orchestra
Membership
Join as a Friend and help us continue bringing world-class music to the Centre, while enjoying special events and access to artists. It's a great way to get closer to the music and meet new friends, while providing vital support for our concerts and educational projects.
Join now