How old do I have to be to join?

There is no minimum age for joining the orchestra. Anyone who plays an instrument and can read music who feels ready to play with other people is welcome.

Do I need to be able to read music?

You will need to be able to read some music. Adults and the older members of the orchestra are always happy to help you if you are stuck.

Do I need lessons?

We will not teach you how to play your instrument, therefore we recommend that you do take instrument and theory lessons. You can still come to the orchestra if you don’t have a teacher.

What sort of music do you play?

We play a wide variety of music from classical pieces such as Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite to popular tunes like Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Bohemian Rhapsody.

We have had music written for us by local composers and members of our orchestra. Julia chooses and arrange the music for MYO and we take requests from members seriously when choosing a programme.

Will it cost anything?

Fees for Maldon Youth Orchestra are £20 per term. That works out at less than £1.50 per week. Parents are encouraged to complete a gift aid declaration form so that the orchestra can claim tax back on the fee – making your money go further.

Do you give concerts?

We perform up to 5 concerts a year. We give an annual end-of-year concert in the Summer and we play several Christmas Concerts around Maldon.

Do I need my own instrument?

Most members of the orchestra have their own instruments. It would be helpful if you had some sort of instrument when you join the orchestra (even if it is only a recorder). We do have percussion instruments that can be played by people who don’t own an instrument.

My friend plays the clarinet and I play the violin. Will we be able to sit together?

The orchestra is arranged in a standard orchestral pattern so that the violins sit with the violins but we do have a break where you will be able to talk to your friend.

Will I need an audition to join?

No. You can join Maldon Youth Orchestra at any ability.

I play cricket on Friday in the summer. Is it OK if I only come to the orchestra in the winter?

Yes, but we will miss you during the summer.

I play in the school orchestra. Should I give it up to join MYO?

Absolutely not. The more playing you do the better you will get. We encourage you to play in as many places as you can. If you have a MYO instrument we hope you will also play it at school.

What happens if I find I’m not good enough to play the music?

We all struggle with new music when we first see it. Try not to compare yourself to the people sitting next to you. We don’t expect you to be able to play every note perfectly when you first join. If you can follow the music and play a few notes to start with then you are doing well. Ask one of the adults or a more experienced player to help you. You can download the music from the members page to listen to and practice and soon you will find it gets easier.

I went to a different orchestra and the girl next to me kept telling me I wasn’t very good. Can you guarantee this won’t happen?

We would be very disappointed if this happened at MYO. We want to encourage everybody to make music and understand that people make progress at different rates. If you did have a problem like this then you should have a quiet word with one of the adults.

I came to MYO once before but haven’t been for a while. Is it OK to come back?

You are welcome back at any time.

Can I watch the orchestra before I decide if I want to join?

Yes. Please see our events page for details of our forthcoming concerts or come along to a rehearsal.

Will I need to wear a uniform?

For concerts we wear pale blue polo shirts printed with the MYO logo and black trousers or skirts.