The Wakefield Youth Symphony Orchestra was established by the former Music Adviser, Cliff Matthews in 1975. It has continued to be an outstanding premiere group under the current directorship of James Cunningham. The upper string section has gone from strength to strength, increasing numbers on an annual basis. The woodwind, brass and percussion sections have experienced a period of relative stability but inevitably some members will move on to university this year.

Highlights from recent concerts include Mussorgsky's 'Night on a Bare Mountain', Dvorak's Symphony no 9 in E minor and the Violin Concerto in G Minor by Max Bruch.

The orchestra performs two major concerts each year in November and July at Wakefield Cathedral. In past years, the November concerts have also taken place at such venues as Bretton Hall, Castleford Civic Centre and Ossett Town Hall but more recently held at Wakefield Cathedral in order to accomodate a larger audience.

Prior to the annual Summer concert, the orchestra undertakes a four-day, full time, non-residential course at Manygates Music Centre where students attend during the day. This 'Summer School' environment encourages socialising and working in a musical environment alongside staff from the Music Service.

The orchestra has a no audition policy but students are generally recommended by the instrumental teacher and have attended one of the six Music Centres in the district. Rehearsals take place at Manygates Music Centre on Friday nights 6.00 - 8.00pm during the Autumn Term and on two Fridays a month during Spring and Summer Terms.

Staff involved in tutoring are:

Director
James Cunningham

Strings
Vicky Gill
Rebecca Mellings
Oona Hall
Philip Kidd

Woodwind
Caroline Billington

Brass and French Horns
Lee Muncaster
Kylie Long

Percussion
Jason Whiteley