Centre for Young Musicians London Youth Wind Band
Develop your music skills with the London Youth Wind Band (LYWB). Young musicians aged 12 to 18 will have the opportunity to perform a wide range of music, including original works for band and arrangements of classical, film and musical theatre.
Applications for LYWB 2024-25 courses are now open. Apply before 11 November 2024.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- February Half Term & mid–late July
- Age:
- 12-18
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- £355 per course (+ additional fee TBC for Summer tour)
- Deadline:
- Apply by 11 November 2024 for courses in February and July 2025 (late applications will be considered)
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
- Mode of study:
- Holiday Courses
- Venue:
- Morley College & St Gabriel’s (+ Summer Tour)
- When:
- Spring Courses (January–March) | Summer Schools (July–August)
- Contact details:
- lywb@gsmd.ac.uk
About the London Youth Wind Band
Develop your music skills with the London Youth Wind Band (LYWB). Young musicians aged 12–18 will have the opportunity to perform a wide range of music, including original works for band and arrangements of classical, film and musical theatre scores in public concerts in London and on tour in the UK and Europe.
The LYWB was formed in 2003 as a companion ensemble to the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO), providing more opportunities for wind, brass and percussion players to work at similar high musical levels.
Members of the LYWB have performed at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Guildhall School, St. John’s, Smith Square, St. James’s, Piccadilly, St. Giles, Cripplegate and St Alfege, Greenwich.
European tours have included France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
Courses run during the school holidays during February half-term and mid–late July.
Please note, commitment to both courses is preferred but not essential.
Applicants should have reached at least Grade 6 on their instrument, which should be demonstrated via the answers on their application form and at audition.
Upon receipt of your application, a friendly member of our team will be in touch to invite you for audition.
Auditions are relaxed and in-formal, with applicants being made to put at ease as much as possible. You will be asked to present five minutes of music with a variety of content. This can be 2 short contrasting pieces or one longer piece. You will also be asked to sight-read.
Our seating decisions are based on your performance in the audition and your availability for both the February half-term, and Summer course.
Auditions will be held in early December 2024.
Fees
£355* per course
*Please note, Course Two includes a tour which will carry additional fees — these will be confirmed shortly.
Payment schedule
You will be invoiced separately for each course.
Means tested bursaries are available on request.
Please note that applications for courses in February and July 2025 close 11 November 2024. Late applications will be considered if spaces are available. Please get in touch if you miss the deadline.
Course Rehearsal Dates & Public Performances
We encourage attendance of both courses where possible. This is to ensure that you get a full insight into being part of a professional ensemble and make significant progress with your development as a musician.
We understand that not everyone may be able to commit to both courses. Flexibility to commit to one course will be given on a case by case basis, depending on the students talent and the number of students signed up for the year.
You will be asked to let us know your availability for both courses once you are invited for audition.
Both courses are made up of rehearsals, where you will learn from an industry professional and work towards a public performance at a London venue. Course Two includes a Summer tour, location to be confirmed. This is at an extra cost to the course fee.
Rehearsals
Monday 17 – Friday 21 February 2025, Morley College
Public Concert
Friday 21 February, St Gabriel’s, Pimlico (19.30)
Rehearsal, concert and tour dates are to be confirmed.
