What's on offer at Swindon Young Musicians

Testimonials "My daughter has grown so much in confidence since joining SYM. The teachers are fantastic and the concert opportunities have been amazing." - Parent of Year 9 student "I've made lifelong friends here and improved my playing beyond what I thought possible. The orchestra is the highlight of my week!" - Orchestra Member, Age 16 "I joined SYM at the age of 4yr, went through to the senior wind band before taking my GCSE Music and getting in to The Royal Academy of Music - Thanks you SYM" - Ex Member of SYM

What’s on offer on Saturday (during school term-time)?

Our Ensembles

Brass Ensemble

Brass Ensemble For developing players (Grades 3-8) The Brass Ensemble is perfect for young musicians wishing to play in an ensemble. Working on accessible repertoire, students learn essential brass skills like following a conductor, playing in time with others, and reading music in a group setting.

  • When: Saturdays, 8.30-9.00am
  • Instruments: Brass Instruments
  • Repertoire: Simplified classics, film music and popular arrangements.

Percussion Ensemble

Percussion Ensemble For intermediate players (Grades 3-6) Our Percussion Ensemble  tackles more challenging repertoire and performs regularly throughout the year. Working on accessible repertoire, students learn essential brass skills like following a conductor, playing in time with others, and reading music in a group setting.

  • When: Saturdays, 9.00am – 9.30am
  • Instruments: Full percussion instruments
  • Repertoire:Adapted music for percussion instruments

Senior Wind Band

Wind Band For woodwind and brass players (Grades 4-8) Our Wind Band explores the rich repertoire written for wind ensemble, from marches to jazz arrangements to original wind compositions.

  • When: Saturdays, 9.30:00-10:30am
  • Instruments:
  • Repertoire:

Clarinet Chior

Clarinet Choir  For Clarinet players  (Grades 3-8) When: Saturdays, 9:00-9:30am

  • Instruments: Clarinets from the Clarinet Family ranging from Bb Clarinet – Alto Clarinet and Bass Clarinet
  • Repertoire:  Our Clarinet Choir  explores a repertoire  from classical repertoire, Film Music to  Musicals arrangements to original compositions.

Ukulele Group

Ukulele Group  For Clarinet players  (Grades 3-8) When: Saturdays, 9:30-10:00am

  • Instruments: Clarinets from the Clarinet Family ranging from Bb Clarinet – Alto Clarinet and Bass Clarinet
  • Repertoire:  Our Clarinet Choir  explores a repertoire  from classical repertoire, Film Music to  Musicals arrangements to original compositions.

Music Box

Music Box   For children aged:  (Grades 1-3) When: Saturdays, 9.30:00am -10:00pm

  • Instruments:Violins, Viola, Cello Double Bass
  • Repertoire:  Our

Early Birds

Early Birds    For children aged:  (Grades 1-3) When: Saturdays, 10:00am -10:30pm

  • Instruments:Violins, Viola, Cello Double Bass
  • Repertoire:  Our

Intermediate Wind Band

Intermediate Wind Band For woodwind and brass players (Grades 3-5) Our Wind Band explores the rich repertoire written for wind ensemble, from marches to jazz arrangements to original wind compositions.

  • When: Saturdays, 10.30:00-11:00am
  • Instruments:
  • Repertoire:

Choir

Choir

  • When: Saturdays, 11:00-11:45am
  • Instruments:
  • Repertoire:

Jazz Ensemble

Little Big Band  For intermediate+ players interested in jazz Learn improvisation, jazz harmony, and play classic jazz standards and modern compositions.

  • When: Saturdays, 11:00-11:45am
  • Instruments:
  • Repertoire:

Junior String Orchestra

Junior Sting Orchestra   For string  players  (Grades 1-3) When: Saturdays, 11:45am -12:30pm

  • Instruments:Violins, Viola, Cello Double Bass
  • Repertoire:  Our

Stay & Play Beginner Band

Stay & Play Beginner Band   For string  players  (Grades 1-3) When: Saturdays, 11:45am -12:15pm

  • Instruments:
  • Repertoire:  Our

Intermediate String Orchestra

Intermediate Sting Orchestra   For string  players  (Grades 4-6) When: Saturdays, 12:15 -1:15pm

  • Instruments:Violins, Viola, Cello Double Bass
  • Repertoire:  Our

Saxophone Ensemble

Saxophone Ensemble   For Saxophone players  (Grades 3-8) When: Saturdays, 1:30 -2:00pm

  • Instruments: Clarinets from the Clarinet Family ranging from Bb Clarinet – Alto Clarinet and Bass Clarinet
  • Repertoire:  Our Saxophone Ensemble explores a repertoire  from classical repertoire, Film Music to  Musicals arrangements to original compositions.

What’s on offer onTuesday (during school term-time)?

Our Groups

Individual Tuition

We offer one-to-one instrumental lessons with our experienced tutors:

Available Instruments:

  • Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
  • Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone
  • Brass: Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
  • Percussion: Orchestral percussion, drum kit
  • Piano (limited availability)

Lesson Format:

  • 20-minute or 30-minute lessons
  • Weekly during term time for 30-weeks
  • Can be combined with ensemble membership

Music Theory Classes

Group Theory Lessons Preparation for ABRSM theory exams (Grades 1-5) in small, friendly groups.

  • When: Saturdays, various times
  • Format: Small groups (max 8 students)
  • Benefits: Essential foundation for practical exams, improved sight-reading, better musical understanding

Additional Benefits

Instrument Loan Scheme Can’t afford to purchase an instrument? We have a selection of instruments available to loan to members (subject to availability and agreement).

Bursary Programme Financial assistance is available for families who need support with membership fees or instrument costs. All applications are treated confidentially.

Music Library Access to our extensive collection of sheet music and study scores.

Alumni Network Stay connected after you leave! Our alumni network offers mentoring, masterclasses, and reunion concerts.

Quick Links

  • Term Dates & Schedule
  • Membership Fees
  • Meet Our Teachers
  • Parent Information