Thames Vale Intermediate Orchestra (TVIO) is a new ‘feeder’ orchestra that will operate 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, why not come along to a taster session on September 15th 2025, or simply sit in on one of the orchestra's weekly rehearsals?  You can also use the 'Contact TVIO' button below to email our Admissions Secretary, for 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 will 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.

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

TVIO’s first rehearsal of the Autumn term takes place on Monday 15th September 2025.  This will also act as a taster session for potential applicants.  The full list of dates for Autumn term 2025 is given below:

 

Monday 15th September – first rehearsal and taster session

Monday 22nd September

Monday 29th September

Monday 6th October

Monday 13th October

Monday 20th October

[Monday 27th October – half term holidays (no rehearsals)]

Monday 3rd November

Monday 10th November

Monday 17th November

Monday 24th November

Monday 1st December

Monday 8th December – Provisional informal concert

TVIO rehearsals will continue at Larkmead School during Spring term 2026.  There is a possibility that TVIO will continue into the Summer term (in contrast to TVYO, which operates during Autumn and Spring term only).  We are in the process of consulting and assessing potential options for Summer term 2026 and will make further announcements in due course.

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.