Ensembles

Ensembles & Choirs

Plymouth Youth Music Service offers a wide range of free ensembles and choirs for young people across the city. These groups provide opportunities to develop musical skills, perform regularly, and make music with others in a fun and supportive environment.

Our ensembles are open to a variety of ages, instruments, and experience levels, with no audition required for many groups.

As a music service, we are currently going through some changes in how we run our music service ensembles in the city and exploring a possibility of a more accessible central centre for music to reach more young people.

Orchestras & Bands

For intermediate and advanced musicians aged 11–21 (Grade 4+ or equivalent).
Young musicians perform a wide range of exciting orchestral repertoire including symphonies, overtures, musical theatre, and film music.
Instruments
Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion.
Rehearsal
Wednesday | 5:30 – 7:00pm
Marjon University
Cost
Free to join
A high-quality youth big band performing jazz, swing, funk and contemporary music.
The band regularly performs at regional festivals including the Music for Youth National Festival and large public events such as Armed Forces Day.
Sections
Saxophones, Brass, Rhythm Section and Vocalist.
Rehearsal
Tuesday | 5:00 – 6:30pm
Lipson Cooperative Academy
Requirements
Ability to read music
Cost
Free
One of our longest-running ensembles for young woodwind and brass players.
This group is ideal for students who have completed whole class instrumental lessons in primary school and want to continue playing in a band.
Typical Age
8–13
Rehearsal
Wednesday | 4:00 – 5:00pm
Devonport High School for Boys
Cost
Free

String Ensemble

A welcoming ensemble for string players aged 7–18 of all abilities.
Players develop ensemble skills while performing a wide variety of music in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Instruments
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Rehearsal
More information coming soon
Cost
Free

Choirs & Vocal Groups

A fun and high-performing choir for young people from Year 7 upwards.
No audition required — just a love of singing. The choir performs regularly in community events and large concerts and acts as the lead choir for the Plymouth International Chorus.
Rehearsal
Monday | 4:15 – 5:30pm
Montpelier Primary School
Cost
Free
An advanced contemporary a cappella group selected from members of the Legacy Choir.
The group performs completely unaccompanied music including vocal percussion and beatboxing.
Highlights include performing at the Royal Albert Hall and success in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella UK.
Rehearsal
Friday | 4:00 – 5:30pm
Montpelier Primary School
A youth male voice choir for boys from across Plymouth.
New members are always welcome and no audition is required.
Rehearsal
Tuesday | 5:00 – 6:00pm
Mayflower Academy
Cost
Free
A fully inclusive choir for children and young people aged 5–19 with an EHCP.
The choir offers a supportive environment where young people can enjoy singing and performing together.
Rehearsal
Tuesday | 4:30 – 5:30pm
Woodlands Special School

Brass Ensembles

Open to anyone wishing to learn a brass instrument.
Free tuition and free instrument hire are provided, creating an accessible entry point for beginners.
Rehearsal
Thursday | 6:00 – 7:15pm
Formed to bridge the gap between the training band and senior ensembles. The band performs at concerts and competitions across the South West.
Rehearsal
Thursday | 6:15 – 7:30pm
Location for both bands
The Soundhouse
Tor Bridge High Community College

Join an Ensemble

All Plymouth Youth Music Service ensembles are currently free to join and open to young people from across the city.

If you would like to join one of our ensembles or would like more information, please visit our Contact Us page.