This will be another fun and friendly music-making weekend, with three inspiring tutors - Margaret Moseley and Ralph Dawson (violins) and Laurence Hughes (cello).  They will cover all the sections for ‘late starters’ of any standard, however double bass players please note that there won't be a specialist bass tutor. Music will vary in style and difficulty, within the usual range of YLSS, but please come willing to be stretched!

The programme will be a mix of playing together as a full orchestra and smaller ensembles, as well as technique/sectional sessions.  There will be chamber groups for beginners as well as for more experienced players. We will contact you before the weekend and organise groups and tutors in advance for everyone who would like to play in chamber groups.  On Saturday afternoon there will be a different music activity or the chance to explore local walks or to simply relax.

YLSS’s amazing cabaret is back on Saturday evening! We will contact everyone in advance to invite you to take part, on your own or in a group, but no pressure!

You are welcome to arrive from 3.30pm on Friday. There will be tea and cakes served at 4.00pm and the first orchestra session of the weekend starts on Friday at 5.00pm. The weekend finishes on Sunday at 4.30pm, following a playthrough and tea.

A typical weekend has a mixure of full orchestra rehearsals. chamber groups, sectionals and free time to explore the extensive grounds and gardens.  Here's an example timetable, although it might change slightly each year:

By popular demand, the Study Day running from 10.00am to 5.00pm on Bank Holiday Monday is back for 2024. The day will be led this year by Stuart Hazelton, well known to YLSS, who has successfully led us through some amazingly challenging pieces on previous study days. The Study Day can be booked including dinner, bed & breakfast, or as a stand-alone day including lunch only.

Music for both the weekend and study day are still being finalised by our tutors but it will all be made available, in advance, to everyone who has booked for you to download and print out at home.

There are up to 35 places available, in a mix of single and twin/double rooms. All rooms have en-suite WC, bath and/or shower. Towels are provided.

If you are willing to share, please arrange a room-sharer yourself and save £30 each!

All YLSS members and string-playing non-members are warmly welcome to the weekend. We regret that we cannot accommodate non-playing partners or friends in the group, except where their presence is needed to assist a player.

As Wydale is a rambling building, extended over the years, every room is different and most are accessed by stairs. Please note on the booking form if you require a ground floor room or few stairs, and to also tell us about dietary or other access requirements.

Part 1: The Weekend
Friday to Sunday playing, accommodation on Friday and Saturday nights, inclusive of all meals and refreshments from Friday tea to Sunday lunch.

* A small number of places at reduced rate (£225 shared/ £255 single) are available for YLSS members on a very limited income, who would not otherwise be able to come. Please see the booking form.

Part 2: The Monday Study Day
Add the Study Day to your weekend booking or book for just the Monday, with or without Sunday night accommodation - the choice is yours!

• If you cancel your booking before 1st March 2024, you lose the deposit.
• If you cancel your booking after 1st March 2024, you lose the full charge UNLESS the weekend is fully booked AND we are able to fill your place..
• If for any reason the weekend is cancelled by YLSS, all payments made, including the deposit, will be refunded.
• Cancellation and / or instrument insurance is NOT included in the cost, please arrange your own cover should you need this.

Booking opens for everyone, members and non-members, from 1st January 2024. The weekend books up quickly, especially single rooms, so please book early!

• Places will be allocated to members from 1st January 2024 on a first-come-first-served basis, when your application and deposit have been received.
• Places will be allocated to non-members from 1st February 2024 based on date of application and the balance of instruments in the group. Non-members are encouraged to apply from 1st January, but places will not be allocated until 1st February.
• A waiting list will be held if there are more applications than places available.
• Violinists should be willing to play Violin 1 or Violin 2, as numbers/music requires.

To book your place, complete the online booking form and pay a non-refundable deposit of £50 (or £10 if booking for Monday only).  The balance is payable in full by 1st March 2024. Please send full payment if you are booking after 1st March.

Your booking will be acknowledged and final details will be sent out in May.

Download Booklet    Book Online From Jan 1st