"Exeter Children's Orchestra is a brilliant opportunity to make music, but the thing that keeps you coming back is the people - it's a great place to make friends!"

Alex, violin
Exeter Children's Orchestra

MUSICAL STANDARD

Anyone aged 7-18 who is learning to play an instrument and can read music is welcome to join us - there are no auditions. We currently have over 100 playing members, with a range of ability and experience.  

You can join the Junior Orchestra, if you want to gain confidence playing together and then move up to the main Exeter Children's Orchestra later. 

More senior players are invited to join the Youth Orchestra, which tackles more challenging music. 

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WHICH INSTRUMENTS

We welcome all the usual orchestral instruments plus some others and we don't limit how many players of each instrument can take part. The orchestra is organised in traditional way and each section has both a lead and a tutor.

THE MUSIC WE PLAY

Director of Music Robert Willis selects a great mix of music covering lots of different styles: classical music, jazz, film and TV themes, arrangements of pop and folk as well as music written specially for the orchestra. There's something everyone will enjoy playing and chances for different sections of the orchestra to show off!

Take a look at what we're playing now

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WHERE AND WHEN WE MEET

Orchestra rehearsals are held on Saturdays in term time at Woodwater Lane Academy EYO and ECO Section rehearsals run from 9.45am to 11:00pm with all players joining together from 11:00-12:00.  - These details can vary depending on current COVID-19 regulations and guidelines. 

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Children must bring their own music (links provided on joining), stand, pencil, and - for woodwind and brass players a hand-towel/tea towel to catch spit and a zip-loc plastic bag to take it away in for washing. Instrument spit-guards are provided by the orchestra. 

CONCERTS

The Orchestra gives at least one public concert each term - including outdoor performances. Concerts are usually in the Exeter area, at the Corn Exchange or the Mint Methodist Church, as well as other venues. We often combine concerts with fun days out: for instance we have played at Crealy, Bull Meadow Park and on the Cathedral Green, as well as the outdoor bandstand in Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth.

MEMBERSHIP COSTS

Membership costs £40 for each term (discounted to £30 for each subsequent child).

Membership for the full year costs £110 if paid before October 31st (discounted to £80 for each subsequent child).

We have also introduced a £5 per child surcharge if subs are not paid by the school half-term .

You can pay online.

For any queries about fees, contact our Treasurer in confidence.