COUNTY GROUPS 2023/24

REGISTER HERE

Following on from our very successful  year, we will maintain the format with the two orchestras, Lincolnshire Youth String Orchestra and Lincolnshire Youth Wind Orchestra.

Entry Requirements

Students are accepted from grade 5 upwards. We will perform music that will challenge our most able players, but will adapt parts making them more playable for the less experienced.

Membership is gained by video audition. You will be required to record yourself performing a piece that reflects the standard you currently play. This should last approximately two to three minutes.

If you are a current member of LYSO or LYWO or have been a member of county groups in the past, you will NOT need to reaudition, but you WILL need to reapply.

 

Lincolnshire Youth String Orchestra

  • Strings - violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp: Grade 5

Lincolnshire Youth Wind Orchestra

  • Woodwind - flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone: Grade 5
  • Brass - trumpet, cornet, french horn, tenor horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba: Grade 5
  • Percussion - drum kit and orchestral percussion: Grade 5

As part of our final Showcase Concert we will select members of the Wind Orchestra to combine with the Strings to perform as a Symphony Orchestra

Please note that it is not essential for students to have taken formal examinations. Auditions can be accepted online by uploading to YouTube, Vimeo or using WeTranfer or iCloud, providing us with the link. You are required to play one piece of the standard you currently play at.

 

Rehearsal Dates: 

Rehearsals are held at 

Myle Cross Centre, Macaulay Drive St Giles, Lincoln LN2 4EL

  • Saturday 18th November  2023      10am - 4pm 
  • Saturday 13th January      2024        10am - 4pm 
  • Saturday 9 March              2024        10am - 4pm 

 

  • The Residential - 2nd - 5th  April  2024 (concert 5th April 2024)

 

Fees

Annual Membership

Lincolnshire Youth String Orchestra: £275 (including residential fee) 

Lincolnshire Youth Wind Orchestra: £275 (including residential fee) 

Membership fees shown above apply to the academic year 2023-24. There is a payment plan option available to all and remission is available for pupils entitled to Free School Meals and Looked- After Children. Further payment details will be provided following application and acceptance.

 

Full Commitment

Gaining membership of a Lincolnshire County Group represents a significant personal achievement. However, membership also requires significant responsibility to demonstrate a very high level of personal commitment at all times. 

Our aim is to ensure high standards of performance and presentation at all times, and therefore members are expected to:

  • Make a FULL COMMITMENT to ALL dates of rehearsals, courses, concerts, etc for the season
  • Practise the music between rehearsals and take the music to their instrumental lessons for their one to one session
  • Provide a MUSIC STAND and PENCIL for all rehearsals and concerts 
  • In the event that you are unable to attend a rehearsal or performance, make every effort to ensure that any parts you have borrowed are available if they are likely to be needed by other members
  • Observe the dress code for the ensemble at public performances

Concert Dress Code

Black Trousers / Long Sleeved Black Formal Shirt or Black Skirt / Black Dress (below the knee and no front split above the knee. Must be worn with black tights) / Black socks and Black shoes.

The Residential

The residential will take place during the Easter holidays  for four days and three nights. The Residential cost is included in the yearly membership and transport to the residential, from pick up points in major towns across the county, is also included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided.

The Showcase Concert

Members of the Lincolnshire Youth String Orchestra will perform in a professionally staged concert at the end of the residential. Together with members of Lincolnshire Youth Wind Orchestra. Wind and string players will combine to create a Full Orchestra for the finale.

Lincolnshire Youth String Orchestra Conductor: Nigel Morley

Nigel was born in Lincolnshire and studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating with major awards for both composition and chamber music playing (as a pianist). Since graduating, he has appeared as both conductor and pianist in most European countries and in many venues around the UK.

Lincolnshire Youth Wind Orchestra Conductor: Alex Greenfield

Born in Lincolnshire, Alex was a member of both the Lincolnshire Youth Wind Orchestra and the Lincolnshire Youth Symphony Orchestra. He was also a member of the English Schools' Orchestra. Alex went on to study music at the University of Huddersfield, majoring in performance on Bass Trombone and Clarinet. He went on to study for an MA in conducting, studying with Barrie Webb.

Since 2000 Alex has worked for Lincolnshire Music Service as an instrumental tutor. In 2007 he took over conducting the Lincolnshire Youth Concert Orchestra continuing to work with group until 2017. 

As well as being a busy orchestral and pit musician in the local area, Alex also conducts the orchestra, and teaches the clarine,t at the University of Lincoln. Alex has recently taken over the leadership of Gainsborough Choral Society.