Durham Music Service Ensembles

Durham County Youth Orchestra (DCYO)

This is our senior youth orchestra. This orchestra is formed annually in the form of a weekend course with concluding concerts. Entry is by application to the course. The level expected is usually grade 6 and above. It is structured as a symphony orchestra with full woodwind and brass along with the strings; however, the string section can perform suitable repertoire independently

North and South Regional Orchestras

These two Orchestras work independently in the North of the County (Durham Trinity School, Durham) and the other in the South (Mowden Junior School Darlington). The entry level is usually grade 4 and above and covers repertiore from many styles including film, West end and Broadway shows. classical, modern and pop.

About four times a year the two bands combine to perform at larger venues including The Sage. The orchestras are led by:

Mr.Andy Webb and Miss Rachel Bryant - South

Miss Sue Lawton and Mr. Robert Pearson - North

Durham County Youth Wind Band (DCWB)

This is our senior wind ensemble. It is set up as symphonic wind band with the entry level being grade 6 and above. Its repertiore includes music from classic wind and military bands, modern american and european compostions as well a selections from film and shows in many varied styles.

The DCWB is led by Mr. Brian Wilderoder and Miss. Caroline Burgon

Durham County Youth Big Band (DCBB)

This is our senior big band. Selection is by audition. It has a standard big band format with alto, tenor and baritone saxophones and a ten piece trumpet and trombone line up. Piano, guitar, bass and drums provide the rhythm section. The big band have an extensive repertiore from glen miller, stan kenton, count basie to modern jazz rock and pop. This band has been on numerous tours over the years and is a regular prize winner at the National Festival of Music for Youth held each year in Birmingham.

The DCBB is led by Mr. Shaune Eland

North and South Regional Wind Bands

These two bands work independently in the North of the County (Framwellgate School, Durham) and the other in the South (The Forum Music Centre, Darlington). The entry level is usually grade 4 and above and covers repertiore from many styles including film, West end and Broadway shows. classical, modern and pop.

About four times a year the two bands combine to perform at larger venues including The Sage and rehearse prior to these events centrally (Tudhoe Grange School, Spennymoor)

The bands are led by:

Mr.Ian Robinson and Mr. Shaune Eland - South

Miss Vicky Bates and Mr. Chris Senior - North

Durham County Youth Choir (DCYC)

This is our senior youth vocal group. Selection is by audition. The choir performs many works from classical to more modern composers e.g Carl Jenkins. They have performed many times both locally and nationally

The DCYC is led by Mrs. Hilary Ions and Mr. Jim Morgan.

Darlington Youth Brass Band

Although based in Darlington, this brass band is attended by players from County Durham and Darlington. This band has a long history and choses to keep the Darlington name. It is a traditional brass band and entry is usually grade 4 and above. As well as traditional brass band music, this band performs music from film and stage as well as featuring soloists from within the group.

The DYBB is led by Mr. Steven Boyd.

Durham Sax Sextet

 This group is formed from advanced players based as Teesdale School and 6th form.

The Durham Sax Sextet is led by: Mr Andy Bennett

Regional Level Ensembles

These ensembles are Durham Music Services intermediate level groups. They are located in the County's North and South regions;   Entry level is usually grade 4/5. They are mainly structured as wind bands, string orchestras or choirs

Led by; Mr. Robert Pearson. and Miss. Sue Lawton  

 Led by Mr. Andy Webb and Miss. Rachel Bryant

Led by: Mrs Vicky Bates and Mr. Chris Senior

District Level and Beginner Ensembles

 These are Durham Music Service's first level ensembles. The entry level is usually grade 2/3 but can be lower in certain circumstances. Ther are many of these groups located more locally around the seven County districts and take place every week during term time.

Other Groups and Bands