Ensembles
We offer a variety of ensembles for orchestral and band instrumentalists. Players’ ages range from young primary school children to university students. The ensembles rehearse on weekday evenings during term time and are a great way to enjoy music-making and meet friends. There are concerts at the end of each term and players can also take part in our Music and Fun weekends away (years 3-6 and years 7-9) and European concert tours (year 9+).
YMSG – Young Musicians String Group
Rehearsals: Mondays, 5.00-6.00pm at Wandle Valley School
Conductor: Philip Aslangul
Tutors: David Brooker, Carole Wileman
String Group members are beginners with two terms’ experience of learning their instrument. The group consists of violins, violas, cellos and double basses. When sufficiently experienced, and upon the recommendation of the conductor, members of YMSG move on to Young Musicians Training Orchestra (YMTO).
Rehearsal dates for autumn term 2008 are:
September 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20
November 3, 10, 17
Concert: Monday 24 November at St Mark's Church, Purley
YMTO – Young Musicians Training Orchestra
Rehearsals: Mondays, 6.00-7.00pm at Wandle Valley School
Conductor: David Brooker
Tutors: Philip Aslangul, Juliet Lewis, Lewis Gibbs
Student Council Representative(s): William Terry
This is the first full orchestra for young players of string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The orchestra performs a wide-ranging repertoire including classical, film and pop music. Having gained Grade 3, and upon the recommendation of the conductor, members can join the Young Musicians Orchestra (YMO).
Rehearsal dates for autumn term 2008 are:
September 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20
November 3, 10, 17
Concert: Thursday 27 November at St Mark's Church, Purley
YMO – Young Musicians Orchestra
Rehearsals: Fridays, 5.30-7.30pm at Wandle Valley School
Conductor: David Cox
Tutors: Elizabeth Porter, Sarah Hackett, Philip Aslangul, Tom Hardy, Lewis Gibbs, Helen Garner
Student Council Representative(s): Justin Weeks, Mollie Higgins
This orchestra has the same instrumentation as YMTO but performs a more challenging repertoire that includes music of many different styles. With sufficient experience, and upon the recommendation of the conductor, players can audition to join Sutton Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO).
Rehearsal dates for autumn term 2008 are:
September 12, 19, 26
October 3, 10, 17, 24
November 7, 14, 21
Concert: Thursday 27 November at St Mark's Church, Purley
SYSO – Sutton Youth Symphony Orchestra
Rehearsals: Fridays, 5.30-8.00pm at Wandle Valley School
Conductor: Nigel Hiscock
Tutors: Elizabeth Porter, Sarah Hackett, Philip Aslangul, Tom Hardy, Lewis Gibbs, Helen Garner
Student Council Representative(s): Felicity Myerscough, Julian Waton
SYSO is a full symphony orchestra for advanced orchestral instrumentalists and all players are required to audition. The repertoire is demanding and varied and senior players are often invited to perform solo concertos with the orchestra. The orchestra takes part in annual European concert tours (year 9+) and regularly plays at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Farifield Halls and Dorking Halls.
Rehearsal dates for autumn term 2008 are:
September 12, 19, 26
October 3, 10, 17, 24
November 7, 14, 21
Concert: Friday 28 November at St Mark's Chuch, Purley
SYTB – Sutton Youth Training Band
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 5.00-6.00pm at Wallington High School for Girls
Conductor: Paul Beer
Tutors: Jackie Cox, Roger Willey
The Training Band is for woodwind and brass instrumentalists and performs a wide-ranging repertoire. Members should have two terms’ experience of learning their instrument. When sufficiently experienced, and upon the recommendation of the conductor, players move on to Sutton Youth Symphonic Band (SYSB).
Rehearsal dates for autumn term 2008 are:
September 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22
November 5, 12, 19
Concert: Saturday 6 Septmber at Wallington High School for Girls for Twinning Association Gala Dinner
Concert: Monday 24 November at St Mark's Church, Purley.
SYSB – Sutton Youth Symphonic Band
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 5.00-6.00pm at Wallington High School for Girls
Conductor: Neil Thomas
Tutors: Jackie Cox, Roger Willey, Chris Kimber
Student Council Representative(s): Molly O’Leary, Max Vigor
The Symphonic Band includes the same instrumentation as the Training Band with the addition of percussion. The level of playing is higher with a varied repertoire that includes film, TV and show music, jazz and swing, as well as traditional wind band compositions and arrangements. When players have reached an appropriate standard, and upon the recommendation of the conductor, they can join Sutton Youth Wind Orchestra (SYWO).
Rehearsal dates for autumn term 2008 are:
September 9, 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21
November 4, 11, 18
Concert: Tuesday 25 November at St Mark's Church, Purley
SYWO – Sutton Youth Wind Orchestra
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 6.15-8.15pm at Wallington High School for Girls
Conductor: Neil Thomas
Tutors: Jackie Cox, Roger Willey, Chris Kimber
Student Council Representative(s): Melissa Dee, Derryck Nasib
This is the senior band for advanced woodwind, brass and percussion players. The repertoire is challenging and extremely varied including arrangements and original works for wind band drawn from many styles of music. SYWO takes part in annual European concert tours (year 9+) and has performed at many prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Farifield Halls, Dorking Halls and Birmingham Symphony Hall.
Rehearsal dates for autumn term 2008 are:
September 9, 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21
November 4, 11, 18