Thames Vale Intermediate Orchestra (TVIO) is a new ‘feeder’ orchestra that operates alongside TVYO.  The orchestra is led and conducted by Helen Eccleston, known locally for her work with the Music Flood orchestra, Abingdon Music Centre and Larkmead School. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TVIO gives young musicians the opportunity to develop their ensemble skills and musicality and enjoy making progress on their musical journey.  TVIO welcomes players across the full range of orchestral instruments.

 
Strings
•    Violin
•    Viola
•    Cello
•    Double Bass
•    Harp

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Woodwind and Brass
•    Flute
•    Oboe
•    Clarinet
•    Bassoon
•    French Horn    
•    Trumpet
•    Trombone             
•    Tuba               
 

Percussion
•    A full range of percussion instruments

Application process

If you would like to join the orchestra, please complete this short application form (Word format, click link to download) and return it to the Admissions Secretary at the email address shown on the form.   Please ensure that you check the 'TVIO' box at the top of the form to indicate which orchestra you are applying to join.

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If you’re not sure whether TVIO is right for you, please contact us about attending the next taster session, or to sit in on one of the orchestra's weekly rehearsals.  Use the 'Contact TVIO' button below to email our Admissions Secretary, who can answer your questions and provide more information.

 

Entry requirements 
TVIO is open to young musicians who are currently playing at Grades 3 to 5+ standard.  The normal age range will be from around 8 - 15 years. TVIO applicants do not need to audition for the orchestra - all young musicians playing at the appropriate level are welcome.  However, TVIO members will need to audition before moving up into TVYO. You are welcome to contact the Admissions Secretary, even if your child has yet to reach the minimum grade requirements, as we may be able to signpost you to an alternative beginner orchestra, or to an instrumental teacher who can help them to start their musical journey.
 

Repertoire
The orchestra rehearse, and perform at termly informal concerts, music from the classical orchestral repertoire that is enjoyable, appropriate (and sometimes a little challenging!) for the standard of players – for example: Carmen Suite (Bizet), Radetzky March (Strauss), Ode to Joy (Beethoven),  Nutcracker Suite (Tchaikovsky), as well as film music such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

 
Rehearsal schedule and venue
TVIO meets at Larkmead School, Faringdon Road, Abingdon, OX14 1RF. Sessions begin at 6.15 pm and end at 7.45 pm.  We ask everyone to aim to arrive at Larkmead School by 6.10 pm at the latest to allow for checking in and getting prepared.

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AUTUMN 2026 REHEARSAL SCHEDULE - TO BE ADDED

During the Autumn and Spring terms, TVIO’s rehearsals will overlap with those of our sister orchestra, TVYO, which will enable us to organise some shared activities.  However, please note that TVIO sessions finish approximately 30 minutes earlier.

Subscriptions
Because the orchestra is self-financing, and managed by the TVYO charitable trust, there is a subscription fee to be paid. The rates for TVIO members from Autumn 2025 are: £50 per term, or £95 for two terms if paid in full by the second rehearsal of the year. If there are two or more (TVIO or TVYO) players in one family then the fees for each TVIO member are reduced to £40 per term, or £75 for two terms if paid in full by the second rehearsal of the year. If a player joins after the start of term, reduced subscription rates apply.