West of England Youth Orchestra
Next Course Dates
Winter 2025/26: Monday 29 December - Saturday 3 January
Programme details
3 courses per academic year – at the end of the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays
Musicians aged 12-21, Grade 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 full-size 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) and Alexandra Dariescu (piano).
See WEYO in action!
Tickets for WEYO's next performances on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 January 2026 are on sale now! Join us for a spectacular night at the Oscars with an exciting programme of film and stage favourites, performed by WEYO and West End star vocalist Emily Apps
Buy tickets
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
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone (Tenor/Bass)
Tuba
Grade 7 or equivalent and above
Timpani
Orchestral Percussion
Grade 7 or equivalent and above
Violin
Viola
Double Bass
Harp
(Our cello section is currently full)
Auditioning
Yes, there is an audition process. You’ll be asked to play two contrasting pieces of your own choice and some orchestral excerpts (given to you in advance). Auditions are currently by video only – you will be sent instructions on how to submit your audition video when you have registered 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. With support from Wiltshire Music Connect and individual donors, 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: New Year Spectacular
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