County Ensembles
Orchestras and Ensembles
If you are interested in any of these orchestras and ensembles, please contact Mandy Shobbrook on 01392 385601 or email mandy.shobbrook@devon.gov.uk
More information on the ensemble programme:
- Season overview
- Ensemble MP3s
- Season Calendar 2009-10
- Membership charges
- How to join: Ensemble Recruitment Day - 19th September 2009
Conductor: Scott Stroman
Coaches: Anne Kimber, Fiona McLean & Pete Jones
For musicians of Grade 7+ standard
Devon Sinfonietta is a chamber ensemble/orchestra for aspiring and talented young musicians in Devon. It is comprised of 25-30 performers (strings, woodwind, brass and percussion) who want to work together to create concert music of a high standard with a professional conductor.
The group’s music is primarily “classical”, but it also gives its members the opportunity to venture into associated areas of music such as contemporary, folk and Jazz.
Anyone between the ages of 12 and 21 who has achieved a comparable standard of grade 7+ can audition.
Scott Stroman is a regular conductor with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, directing their unique Renga, Hit Squad and Future First ensembles. He directs the string ensemble OPUS 20, the London choir Eclectic Voices, & the London Jazz Orchestra. To view Scott's amazing career please visit www.scottstroman.com
Anne Kimber, Fiona McLean and Pete Jones coach the woodwind, strings & brass as well as managing the group. They are outstanding and experienced professional musicians who enjoy working with young people.
Conductor: Paul Painter
Assistant Conductor: Isabelle Woollcott
For musicians of Grade 5+ standard
The Concert Orchestra allows players to enjoy developing the necessary listening, playing and ensemble skills needed to become a competent and confident musician. Whilst studying a wide range of music from various genres, musicians will be given the opportunity to direct ensembles and to develop their own critical abilities under the guidance of quality coaches.
The repertoire includes lighter works, alongside pieces intended to stretch players’ technical abilities. We meet on Saturdays from 10am until 1pm from September through until June with regular monthly rehearsals plus concerts, festivals and other events.
Ensemble Samples:
Conductors: Graham Hutton (DYJO1) Brian Moore (DYJO2)
Assistant Conductor: Laura Wright
For musicians of Grade 5+ standard
The Jazz Orchestras exist to help young musicians learn about, develop skills in and increase their appreciation of big band music. Members will have the opportunity to play music in a wide range of styles, from swing to be-bop, from latin to funk. A key activity will be improvisation: band members will be encouraged to express their musical ideas through a graded programme of workshops, and will be given opportunities to try out their ideas in concerts. All members should be prepared to 'have a go' at improvising. Fluency in (or willingness to learn) a wide range of keys will be essential. New members usually join DYJO2, moving on to DYJO1 by audition, at the appropriate time.
Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra Samples: Devon Jazz Orchestra Too Samples: |
The Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra's senior section was |
Conductor: Steve Grant
For musicians of Grade 5+ standard
The Wind Orchestra is one of our most popular groups. All players are given the chance to experience music-making at the highest possible level. Group members are encouraged to play a varied selection of music including popular medleys and more classical works, as well as the wealth of marches that are central to the Wind Orchestra repertoire.
Devon Youth Wind Orchestra Samples:
Conductor: Denis Kigongo Students will learn about the origins of African drums and how to produce different tones, how to develop rhythmic ideas, how to play in a group and how to develop improvisation skills. A heritage element will also be built in, so that pupils learn about the wider culture of Uganda. This approach is valuable in understanding how some of the unique African rhythmic patterns emerged. |  DYDE performing at Exmouth Festival 2009 |
Conductor: Peter Jones
For brass players of Grade 5+ standard
Devon Youth Brass Band is a rapidly growing ensemble. The group aims to broaden the horizons of its members, in terms of music and life skills, by providing a fun and sociable environment in which to develop their technical skills. By building up experience and confidence in this group, members are prepared to face the more rigorous challenges of a career as a professional musician.
Conductors: Elfyn Jones and Debbie Kent
This choir was founded in January 2008 as a new youth choir for Devon (originally under the name of Devon Youth Choral Experience) and continues to grow. It is for young people in Devon aged 11-18. DYC is aiming for an eclectic mix of singing styles including rock, pop, soul, gospel, African, traditional, world, jazz and musicals. Nothing is ruled out. Elfyn and Debbie also want to give the members of the choir a say in what repertoire they sing.
Recent and forthcoming performances include Exeter Festival, Devon Schools Mix, and Devon Young People's Achievement Awards.
