Sections of the GCDYO
This page tells you about the structure of the GCDYO. If you want to know about orchestras in general, we have a separate page about sections of the orchestra.
Click on the diagram or scroll down to see what our sections do. If you are interested in joining the GCDYO, email us for more information and we'll be happy to help you.
To see pictures of our musicians rehearsing and socialising, visit our photo gallery.
Young Musicians Music Club
Standard: pre-Grade 1
Wind and strings generally separately, but occasionally together.
Objectives
Children learn to play together with others, to read very simple music, improvise and follow a conductor. Usually only a few music lessons are necessary beforehand.
Training String Orchestra
Standard: Grades 1 to 3
Objectives
The Training Strings introduces more complicated music, in keys up to the Associated Board Grade 3 level. Children practise instrumental technique, playing both familiar and more adventurous music.
Training Wind Band
Standard: Grades 1 to 3
Objectives
The Training Wind Band takes on a more complicated repertoire. Instrumental groups (e.g. brass section or clarinets) begin to play more independently of each other.
Senior String Orchestra
Standard: Grade 3 and above
Objectives
We explore important original string compositions, to improve players' confidence and responsibility in performance. The orchestra encourages musicians to think about appropriate performance style.
Symphonic Wind Band
Standard: Grade 3 and above
Objectives
We play symphonic wind music (not military band scoring), trying to develop individual technique and confidence.
Symphony Orchestra
Standard: Grade 3 and above
Performance of the classical and the contemporary repertoires is generally in separate concerts.
Objectives
The Symphony Orchestra plays music from 'classical' and 'romantic' periods, to prepare students proceeding to further and higher education. We also play serious contemporary music, including film and theatre scores. We hope to teach more advanced instrumental and orchestral discipline.
Chamber Groups
Standard: no specific requirement. Players from the senior section are invited to play.
Objectives
The Chamber Groups develop expertise in playing chamber music.
Swing Band 1
Standard: Grade 4 and above
Objectives
Swing Band 1 plays Big Band music from the 40s and 50s. Most of the music comes from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Woody Herman and their bands. We also play recent music, such as big band arrangements of rock. Learning to improvise is an important part of rehearsals.
Swing Band 2
Standard: Grade 2 and above
Objectives
See Swing Band 1.
