Thames Vale Youth Orchestra (TVYO) is is a well-established youth orchestra for talented young musicians. We are always on the lookout for talented new players, and you'll find us very friendly and welcoming! You can find out how to audition here - see below for further details. We have a limited number of places in all sections of the orchestra. If you're not sure whether TVYO is right for you, why not come along to our next concert or simply sit in on one of the orchestra's weekly rehearsals?  Alternatively, use the 'Contact TVYO' button below to email our Admissions Secretary for more information.​

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The orchestra is made up of the following instruments:

 

Strings

• Violin

• Viola

• Cello

• Double Bass

• Harp

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Woodwind and Brass

• Flute

• Oboe

• Clarinet

• Bassoon

• French Horn   

• Trumpet

• Trombone             

• Tuba               

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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 'TVYO' box at the top of the form to indicate which orchestra you are applying to join.

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Entry requirements and auditions

TVYO welcomes talented and committed young musicians from 11 to 18 years of age. To become part of this great orchestra you will need to play to at least Grade 5 standard or above, and we ask you to undertake a short audition.  Usually auditions are held in June for the following September. The audition process is very straightforward:

 

• Two short pieces: a maximum of 5 minutes in total, preferably accompanied and offering a clear contrast in tempo, articulation and style. If your piece is too long, you may choose a section of it to present in the audition.

• Two scales: one major and one minor scale of your current grade (own choice).

• Sight reading: you will be given a short orchestral excerpt of around Grade 5 standard.

 

An accompanist will be available to support you – just remember to bring the piano music along with you to the audition.

 

Our in-person auditions for Autumn 2025 take place on Monday 2nd June 2025 from 5.30pm (strings) and on Wednesday 4th June 2025 from 5.30pm (wind and brass), at Abingdon School, Park Road, Abingdon OX14 1DE.  You can download a flyer here.  We can also consider audition by video - if you would prefer this route please let us know.

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AUDITIONS UPDATE: new date added!
 
Due to unprecedented demand, we have arranged an extra day for auditions on Monday 16th June 2025 at Abingdon School (the sessions on Monday 2nd June and Wednesday 4th June are now full).  If you wish to attend this extra audition, please contact our Admissions Secretary via the 'Contact TVYO' button for more details and take your next step to becoming part of this great orchestra (deadline: Monday 9th June).  We can also accept video auditions for violin, viola, bass, bassoon, percussion, harp, horn, trumpet, trombone after this date, subject to spaces remaining available.  However, please bear in mind that tutors may not always be available to assess these immediately, especially over the summer holiday period.

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Want to join us straight away?

​​It is also possible to join the orchestra at other points during the year.   In this case, you would be auditioned by one of the instrumental coaches during a Monday evening rehearsal (no accompaniment required).  Video auditions are also an option on request - contact the Admissions Secretary for more details.

Subscriptions
Because the orchestra is self-financing there is a subscription fee to be paid (the rates from Autumn 2025 are: £95 per term, or £180 per year if paid in full by the first rehearsal of the year). If there are two or more players in one family then the fees are £75 per term, or £130 if paid in full by the first rehearsal of the year. If a player joins after the start of term, reduced subscription rates apply.