Enriching lives through music
Strings for Youth specialises in guiding, through ensemble playing, the musical journey of young string players. Our holistic approach incorporates singing and games with a view to balancing instrument playing with genuine musical independence. Our musical repertoire is specifically tailored to each ensemble and our resources are designed to assist with practice, resulting in group music-making of high quality which is open to all.
Nurturing young people’s talents and helping them develop skills at all levels.
Through weekly rehearsals and termly concerts, Strings for Youth nurtures the musical development of string players throughout their string-playing journey, in orchestras and ensembles from pre-Grade 1 to post-Grade 8 level.
The SFY First Strings orchestra is our entry level orchestra for students at pre-Grade 1 standard.
The SFY Second Strings is open to students at post-Grade 1 standard to Grade 4. There is no audition requirement to join these orchestras.
These orchestras rehearse in 3 locations: Orpington (Petts Wood), Penge and Sevenoaks.
Students of post-Grade 4 to Grade 7 standard can apply to join SFY Junior Chamber Ensemble, for which entry is by audition.
Entry to our senior level SFY Chamber Ensemble is also by audition, which caters for students for post-Grade 7 standard.
These orchestras rehearse in Orpington (Petts Wood).
The orchestra grade levels stated serve as a guide only.
At no level do Strings for Youth ensembles replace instrumental lessons, which all students are expected to be having.
*NEW FOR 2024-25*
ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory Courses
To support string players on their musical journey, SFY offers specialised courses to prepare for the ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory exam.
Students have the option of a Fast Track or Tailored course.
Either of these can be perfectly paired with the SFY Junior Chamber Ensemble, running either side of the rehearsal in Orpington (Petts Wood).
Latest News and Information:
We can’t wait to welcome back both current and new SFY players - see you soon for an exciting year ahead!
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APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR
SEPTEMBER 2024
Apply now to join one of our fabulous Strings for Youth orchestras and become part of our welcoming community - improve your playing and musicianship while having fun and making new friends!
Click on ‘Sign me up’ below to apply.
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Autumn Term Dates
Sunday 8 September - Sunday 24 November
HALF TERM:
Orpington & Penge - Sunday 20 October to Friday 1 November
Sevenoaks - Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November and no rehearsal on Friday 18 October
Winter Concert:
3.30pm on Sunday 24 November
at St George’s Church, Bickley BR1 2BE
SIGN UP FOR STRINGS
At Strings for Youth, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing environment where everyone is welcome.
Strings for Youth warmly invite you to try a taster session for First Strings or Second Strings, to help you settle in. Entry to Junior Chamber Ensemble and Chamber Ensemble is by audition only.
Curiosity is a natural instinct, and we believe that developing skills is an exhilarating opportunity for personal growth. All our sessions will provide an excellent platform to explore your musical inclinations and meet like minded students!
Musical Achievement Together
A complete joy to hear fledgling string players through to advanced level perform with such energy, enthusiasm and commitment under the direction of Tim Wells. This is exactly the environment in which to develop musical skills and a love for ensemble playing in a welcoming and vibrant environment. If only Strings for Youth had been set up when my own children were setting out on their musical journey – I would have been first in the queue.
Rosie Whitfield
Head of Junior Guildhall