We meet at Allerton High School on Saturday mornings from 10am to 12.30pm. The school is easy to find, just off the ring road in north west Leeds. It has ample free parking and direct access to our rehearsal room from the car park.  There are several disabled parking spaces and disabled access to rehearsal rooms and toilets.

Anyone who took up or returned to playing an orchestral stringed instrument as an adult. We do recommend you've been playing for a few years but have also run a group for new learners which we hare happy to do again if there is interest in this.  If you're not sure, get in touch to discuss your circumstances or to arrange to visit a rehearsal - we're a friendly bunch!

What happens at a rehearsal?

We are fortunate to work with many professional tutors and benefit immensely from their years of experience in orchestras and teaching.  Each brings their own perspective and interpretation to the music we work on which shows there's often more than one way to approach something.  During the morning we'll work on three or four pieces in the folders, often taking things apart, practicing difficult bits which the tutors will help us tackle and perfect before putting it all together again.  It's very satifying to end by plaing through the music and hearing how much better it has become!

In the past we've run a new learners group that meets separately for the first hour under the guidance of one of our conductors / tutors then, after the break, the new learners join with the rest of the orchestra to play as one large ensemble.  We're not running this at the moment, but if it's something you would like to join, please let us know as we'll be pleased to run it again if there is demand.

The first half runs from 10am until 11, then we have a 30 minute break. This is a great opportunity for our members to get to know one another, and more importantly, it's time for coffee and cakes!  The second half is then from 11.30 - 12.30.

As well as your instrument, bow and rosin, you'll also need a music stand, your own folder of music and an orchestral mute.  Cello players will also need a spike holder.  Music will be sent once your fees have been paid which you'll need to print off but we can help with this if you don't have access to a printer.

Full Member £98 per term, with concessions of £68.

Payments are paid by bank transfer and details are available when members complete their termly subscription form. We can also accept cheques made payable to Yorkshire Late Starters Strings.

Concessions apply to those in dependent on benefits and for full time students.  If in doubt, you can have a confidential conversation with Steven, our treasurer, who will be happy to advise. 

YLSS is registered charity number 1088105, and welcomes contributions that attract gift aid to support our activities. Charitable contributions support the general work of YLSS and also help to sustain our biennial new music competition, helping to encourage and support new composers. If you are kindly making a charitable contribution and you are eligible for gift aid, you can make a gift aid declaration by clicking here.

Please complete the form below, or email Simon (Leader):