Since 2022, our Youth Ensembles have empowered young musicians through advanced ensemble training and music-making opportunities.
What we do.
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Youth Orchestra
String players Grade 5+ & Woodwind, brass and percussion players Grade 6+.
Our Youth Orchestra rehearses weekly on a Wednesday 5:00-6:30pm at Fountainhall Church at the Stocket, performing in December and March.
Chris Gray, conductor, is the Artistic Director of Scottish Opera’s Youth Company and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. Chris has worked extensively throughout the UK and Europe as a conductor of youth and amateur ensembles.
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Initial & Junior String Orchestra
Initial String Orchestra - String players who’ve been learning for at least a year.
Junior String Orchestra - String players working around Grades 2-4.
Since 2023, our Junior String Orchestra has provided a stepping stone to our Youth Orchestra. Our Initial String Orchestra now provides an entry-level group for beginners.
Both groups perform 2-3 concerts per year working with conductor Emma Bell and a group of committed support musicians. Emma hails from Northern Ireland and is a recent graduate of the University of Aberdeen with a First Class Bachelor of Music Degree.
Why we do it.
We founded our youth orchestras and ensembles because we recognised a crucial need for regular city-wide or regional opportunities for dedicated young musicians to come together and hone their skills. We believe the weekly rehearsal process is central to developing musicianship. Beyond just playing the right notes, our programs foster musical growth alongside a strong sense of community. Young musicians form lifelong friendships as they explore the joyful and collaborative world of music-making.
