County groups

Membership of a County Group gives you the opportunity to play with other talented musicians, play large scale pieces, perform at a variety of venues and experience professional playing.

County Group Season 2011/12

Percussionists

Membership in the Dorset Youth Percussion Ensemble could provide you with the opportunity to perform with:

Dorset Youth Concert Band (Grade 3+)
Dorset Youth Wind Orchestra (Grade 5+)
Dorset Apprentice Orchestra (Grade 4/5+)
Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra (Grade 5+)
Dorset Youth Orchestra (with audition) (Grade 5+)

String Players

Depending on your standard of playing you can progress through the following ensembles:

Dorset Youth Starter Strings (Grade 1+)
Dorset Youth String Ensemble (Grade 4+)
Dorset Apprentice Orchestra (Grade 4/5+)
Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra (Grade 5+)

Brass and Woodwind Players

Depending on your standard of playing and your interests in music you can progress through the following ensembles:

Dorset Youth Concert Band (Grade 3+)
Dorset Youth Wind Orchestra (Grade 5+)
Dorset Apprentice Orchestra (Grade 4/5+)
Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra (Grade 5+)
Dorset Youth Orchestra (Grade 5+)

Please note that grades are only an indication of the standard required.

County Group Ensemble	Explanation
Dorset Youth Percussion Ensemble	The Dorset Youth Percussion Ensemble is new for September 2011 providing the opportunity for percussionists to be part of their own unique ensemble, whilst performing with other county groups for one membership fee. Play percussion and be the heartbeat of Dorset Youth Music!
Dorset Youth Concert Band	The Dorset Youth Concert Band is a fun, stimulating musical experience, playing a wide variety of music styles alongside other talented young musicians.
Dorset Youth Wind Orchestra	Fed up of counting rests? Tired of playing in tricky keys? Then the DYWO could be for you. DYWO is a full size concert band that plays in a diverse range of musical styles and genres, everything from bandstand classics and film music to contemporary repertoire.
Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra	The Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra plays an extensive repertoire of jazz from the last 60 years and covers different styles of the jazz world from traditional jazz to swing, bebop, latin, rock and funk. DYJO as it is commonly known, is the perfect group for those interested in jazz, improvisation and simply enjoying yourself!
Dorset Youth Starter Strings	The Dorset Youth Start Strings is specifically for young string players to develop their new skills whilst having fun playing together with friends. Open to all young players who are having lessons on violin, viola, cello or double bass.
Dorset Youth String Ensemble	The Dorset Youth String Ensemble offers more advanced string players the opportunity to experience a wider range of music relevant to their interests and enjoyment.
Dorset Apprentice Orchestra	The Dorset Apprentice Orchestra is new for September 2011 and open to members of the String Ensemble or Wind Orchestra. It provides a step between these two groups and the Dorset Youth Orchestra where members can learn about full orchestral playing.

County Group Rehearsal Dates & Times

25 September 2011
23 October 2011
27 November 2011
15 January 2012
5 February 2012
4 March 2012
1 April 2012
29 April 2012
27 May 2012
1 July 2012

All these rehearsals are held at Bovington Middle School and are for half days except the Percussion Ensemble.

Morning

09:30 - 12:30

Dorset Youth Percussion Ensemble

Conducted by: Graeme Thew (all day)

Dorset Apprentice Orchestra

Conducted by: Kevin Penfold

Dorset Youth Starter String

Conducted by: Dianne Ely

Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra

Conductor: TBC

Afternoon

13:30 - 16:30

Dorset Youth Percussion Ensemble

Conducted by: Graeme Thew (all day)

Dorset Youth Wind Orchestra

Conducted by: Kevin Penfold

Dorset Youth String Ensemble

Conducted by: Dianne Ely

Dorset Youth Concert Band

Conducted by: Graeme Thew

Performance Dates

Each group will have performance opportunities throughout the year and these dates will be set at the beginning of each full term. Please see the Forthcoming concerts page for more details.

Membership Application

Please complete the Audition application form (word, 69kb) (opens in a new window) and return to the Dorset Music Service if you are interested in joining a County Group. Membership is awarded after audition for Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra, Dorset Youth String Ensemble and Dorset Youth Wind Orchestra. Formal auditions have now been completed but there are some vacancies in the groups for certain instruments. Please complete an application form and we will inform you if an audition is available.

Membership Costs £95.00

Membership to a county group provides you with ten rehearsals and three performance opportunities throughout the year. Membership to one group is £95.00, membership to two groups is £155.00 (excluding the Dorset Youth Orchestra). We have a remissions policy that supports families in hardship and 'The Richard Ely Trust' (opens in a new window) regularly supports membership of county groups for Dorset's young people. Please contact the Music Service should you require assistance. Membership fees will be collected on or before the first rehearsal on Sunday 25 September at Bovington Middle School.

Musician Residential

A residential for members of the Dorset Youth Orchestra, Dorset Youth Wind Orchestra, Dorset Youth String Ensemble, Dorset Apprentice Orchestra and Dorset Youth Percussion Ensemble will be held in the summer.

all Young Musicians ages 11+ of Grade 3 standard and above will be available at an additional charge. Details will follow during the Autumn Term as the residential is shaped by the newly formed County Group member's council. Once confirmed further information will be available on this website.