Picture of LYWB taken in Dorset July 2022
The London Youth Wind Band was formed in 2003 as a companion ensemble to the London Schools Symphony Orchestra, providing more opportunities for wind, brass and percussion players to work at the high musical levels achieved by the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) and to perform in major venues. Both groups are organised by the Centre for Young Musicians – a Division of the Guildhall School. Auditions take place in the autumn each year and applicants should be of Grade 6-8 standard. Members of the LYWB come from all over the capital and meet twice a year during school holidays to rehearse and perform a wide range of music including original works for band and arrangements of classical, film and musical theatre scores. In 2015 the band commissioned and gave the first performance of a new work – London Landscapes – from Alan Bullard. Courses are led by professional musicians from the CYM tutor team, supported by experienced pastoral and administrative staff. The LYWB has performed at the Royal Albert Hall (Music for Youth Primary Proms), St. John’s, Smith Square, St. James’s, Piccadilly, St. Giles, Cripplegate and at St Alfege, Greenwich, and at The Guildhall School. The band has also given special performances for young children in London schools and played in festivals in Northamptonshire and Whitstable. The LYWB regularly undertakes concert tours and has visited Paris and the north French coast, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands (performing live on Amsterdam CS Radio) and the Czech Republic. The LYWB is a great social experience for students – meeting like-minded peers and developing new friendships. There are also crossover opportunities with the LSSO.
Late applications for the London Youth Wind Band are welcome. For more information please email Alice Dagg
Picture of LYWB taken in Austria July 2018