Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I have to be to join?

There is no minimum age for joining the orchestra. At the moment our youngest member is 6 years old. The oldest young person at the orchestra is 18 but we do allow parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents to play with the orchestra.

Do I need to be able to read music?

You will need to be able to read some music. Adults and the older members of the orchestra are always happy to help you if you are stuck.

Do I need lessons?

We will not teach you how to play your instrument, therefore we recommend that you do take instrument and theory lessons. You can still come to the orchestra if you don't have a teacher.

What sort of music do you play?

We play a wide variety of music from classical pieces such as Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite to popular tunes like Teddy Bear's Picnic and Bohemian Rhapsody.

We have had music written for us by local composers and members of our orchestra. Musical director, Norman Muncey, arranges music for MYO and takes requests from members seriously when choosing a programme.

Will it cost anything?

Fees for Maldon Youth Orchestra are £14 per term. That works out at less than £1 a week. Parents are encouraged to complete a gift aid declaration form so that the orchestra can claim tax back on the fee - making your money go further.

Do you give concerts?

We perform about 4-5 concerts a year, which we would encourage you to be a part of.

Do I need my own instrument?

Most members of the orchestra have their own instruments. It would be helpful if you had some sort of instrument when you join the orchestra (even if it is only a recorder). We do have percussion instruments that can be played by people who don't own an instrument.

My Uncle has an old trumpet in his loft. Can the orchestra use it?

Yes. Whatever condition it's in we can have it repaired and find someone to play it.

My friend plays the clarinet and I play the violin. Will we be able to sit together?

The orchestra is arranged in a standard orchestral pattern so that the violins sit with the violins but we do have a break where you will be able to talk to your friend.

Will I need an audition to join?

No you can join Maldon Youth Orchestra at any ability.

I play cricket on Friday in the summer. Is it OK if I only come to the orchestra in the winter?

Yes but we will miss you during the summer.

I play in the school orchestra. Should I give it up to join MYO?

Absolutely not. The more playing you do the better you will get. We encourage you to play in as many places as you can. If you have a MYO instrument we hope you will also play it at school.

What happens if I find I'm not good enough to play the music?

We all struggle with new music when we first see it. Try not to compare yourself to the people sitting next to you. We don't expect you to be able to play every note perfectly when you first join. If you can follow the music and play a few notes to start with then you are doing well. Ask one of the adults to help you. If you find the music is really too complicated for you to play (even after some practice) then talk to Norman about arranging you an easier part.

What happens if I find the music too easy?

Talk to Norman about getting some more difficult music. We would also recommend that you stay for the Maldon Orchestra rehearsal (see old fogies link on the Links page).

I went to a different orchestra and the girl next to me kept telling me I wasn't very good. Can you guarantee this won't happen?

We would be very disappointed if this happened at MYO. We want to encourage everybody to make music and understand that people make progress at different rates. If you did have a problem like this then you should have a quiet word with Julia who will make sure it is stopped.

I came to MYO once before but haven't been for a while. Is it OK to come back?

You are welcome back at any time.

Can I watch the orchestra before I decide if I want to join?

Yes. Please see concert page for details of our forthcoming concerts or come along to a rehearsal.

Will I need to wear a uniform?

For concerts we wear pale blue polo shirts printed with the MYO logo and black trousers or skirts. Polo shirts are available at a cost of £6.50.

Original art by Nancy J Crisp