An Introduction to YLSS…
YLSS at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival 2010
If you are an adult learner of the violin, viola, cello or bass, or played a string instrument at school and would like to start again, and would like to play in a group with adults of similar standard, then YLSS is for you. You don’t have to audition, we just want to encourage you to play music.
YLSS is a teaching string orchestra tutored by top class professional musicians. We play string music of all styles and periods from the baroque and earlier to the present day. Our music is carefully chosen to suit the abilities of the group, and sectional rehearsals ensure that everyone gets guidance. Simplified parts are often available so that you can join in even if you are at an early stage of study on your instrument. Our players enjoy learning in a supportive, non-competitive and friendly atmosphere.
New Learners group
We have now have a weekly New Learners Group running alongside the main orchestra to ease you in gently with extra support and guidance from professional tutors who are experienced and committed in coaching adult starters.
This group has an hour’s session together then join in with the orchestra after the coffee break. These sessions are intended as an introduction to the orchestra for those who are fairly new to their instrument but feel the need for some preliminary preparation. It can also be useful for less experienced current members who would like to improve their skills in a smaller group though it is hoped that they will soon feel encouraged to move into the main orchestra where the new challenges will continue to advance their playing.
Beginners
At the moment we do not offer sessions for complete beginners though we do hold an annual ‘Taster’ morning for potential new starters and returners (see 2012′s session here). We suggest that interested newcomers who wish to join YLSS book a few lessons with a local teacher so that they have had an introduction to their instrument before attending our sessions. We have a useful information sheet available on the Downloads page with the contact details of some local teachers and tips on buying an instrument, or email us for more information. If a potential member can play a little but does not have an instrument at the moment, renting is a good option, available from most good music shops, or we may be able to arrange for one to be available for a short time if given advance notice.
Some of YLSS players at the 'Orchestra seeks Composer' Workshop November 2011
YLSS is a registered charity, number 1088105.
