| Why would I want to join? - Because you don't normally have to undergo an audition to be accepted
- To improve your playing while having fun and making friends
- To be able to perform in concerts at both light and "posh" venues
- To attend residential weekends for in depth rehearsal and a great time socially
- To go on tour abroad and meet music lovers in foreign countries (and have a great time socially)
- Because you get to wear a cool CVYO T-shirt!
What if I'm not sure? - Come along to our Open Rehearsal on the middle Sunday of every September at Colchester Sixth Form College. Aspiring members are welcome to attend and have a day of fun, while finding out if it is for you.
- But you can join us at any time.
- Come to the two day half term Holiday Orchestra workshop for the CVTO in February, you will find older players will be on hand to help you and play along with you, often one-to-one. This is open to non-members.
How old do I need to be? - You may start in the Training Orchestra at the age of 8. Members range up to 13 years of age, but there is no formal upper age limit.
- The Main Orchestra tends to attract members from age 11 to 19.
Does it matter where I live? What is the CVYO's'catchment area'? - Players come from schools all over Suffolk and North East Essex, giving you the chance to meet and make friends from different areas.
What standard do I need to have reached? - For the Main Orchestra we usually expect you to have reached grade 5 for strings, grade 6 for wind instruments.
- For the Training Orchestra, grade 2 is the usual minmum.
How do I get my blue CVYO T-shirt? Are the Residential Weekends for everybody? Are they compulsory? - These are for members of the Main Orchestra. They are not compulsory, but we do strongly urge members to take part. In fact they are so enjoyable that very little urging is required!
- More on Residential Weekends.
Are the overseas tours compulsory? - These too are for members of the Main Orchestra.
- Again, they are not compulsory, but are seen as the highlight of the year, so members are keen to participate.
- Even some younger players do take part, there is a normal minimum age of 12 years, and some prefer to wait a year or two after joining the Main Orchestra before undertaking their first tour.
- More on Tours.
What exactly does 'CVYO' refer to? - Depending on context, the term The Colne Valley Youth Orchestra or CVYO is used to refer to
either the complete enterprise, consisting of the two orchestras together with all the Musical Directors and the Support Team of volunteer helpers or just the Main Orchestra, as distinct from the Training Orchestra - the CVTO. Does anyone receive a fee for their work for CVYO? - The Musical Directors receive a fee when they attend to conduct rehearsals and concerts. All other members of the support team work on a voluntary basis and receive no fees.
Are any expenses paid to anyone in connection with their work for CVYO? - Adults who attend residential courses to provide legally required pastoral care are not asked to pay for their transport, board and lodging.
- Authorised expenditure on such items as stationery, refreshments for concerts and rehearsals etc are reimbursed.
- Travel and subsistence costs incurred in attending CVYO events are not reimbursed.
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