Enriching lives through music
Strings for Youth offers high-quality string orchestras, specialising 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 an impressive standard of group music-making 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 Grade 1 to post-Grade 8 level.
Camerata is open to students at post-Grade 1 standard to Grade 4*.
There is no audition requirement to join this orchestras.
Students of post-Grade 4 to Grade 7* standard can apply to join Junior Chamber Ensemble, for which entry is by audition.
Entry to our senior level Chamber Ensemble is also by audition, which caters for students for post-Grade 7* standard.
All of our orchestras rehearse on Sundays 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 musicians on their journey, SFY offers specialised courses and individual tutoring 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 Camerata or Junior Chamber Ensemble, which running either side of the music theory class in Orpington (Petts Wood).
Latest News and Information:
WINTER CONCERT
What a wonderful Winter Concert we had!
Congratulations to all our young players on their performances and huge thanks to all our parent volunteers for offering their time and services to help the concert run so smoothly!
And the music continues ….
with Chamber Ensemble performing festive music in The Glades, Bromley on Sunday 15th December, 1-4pm.
We’ll be in the Upper Mall near Superdry, raising money for our chosen charity this year, Young Minds UK. Please come and support this worthwhile cause!
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JOIN US!
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.
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 Camerata, 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