Junior Orchestra
Players, nine years and upwards, who are at a playing level equivalent to Grade 1 Associated Boards or Primary R.I.A.M. can audition  for Junior Orchestra. They are usually ready to move to the Intermediate Orchestra when they are Grade 3 standard.
In Junior Orchestra they are taught the basics of looking at the conductor and taking and interpreting his/her directions. They learn to listen to each other and become aware of intonation and learn the necessity of counting  and keeping rhythm.
These early years are also about honing their sight-reading skills because an orchestra player has a personal responsibility for reading their music.

Junior Orchestra rehearsals are held from 2.00 - 4.00 pm on Saturdays in Yeats House, Fr. Griffin Road

 

Intermediate Orchestra
Players in this orchestra need to be at a good Grade 3  or 4 standard and the average age of entry if 12. The instrumental skills are markedly more advanced than the average Junior and consequently the difficulty level of the music is higher requiring more developed technique. At this level the players are being trained to notice the dynamics and to be aware of the colour and texture of the written music. The classical repertoire is more extensive  for this orchestra.

Intermediate Orchestra rehearsals are held from 10.00 - 12 noon on Saturdays in St. Mary's College, St Mary's Road

Senior Orchestra

Members of this orchestra need to be able to play at a grade 6-7 standard as this  is the basic level that the conductors aim for if they wish to include symphonic works in their yearly programme. Works by the great composers are played in their original form and the Senior Orchestra needs to complete two full concert programmes in a year.
Since 1997 tours abroad have become bi-annual events for this orchestra.

Senior Orchestra rehearsals are held from 12.00 - 2.00 pm on Saturdays in Yeats House, Fr. Griffin Road

 

Alouette Wind Band

To address the cyclical surplus of flute and clarinet players in Junior and Intermediate Orchestra  this ensemble was founded under  the directorship of Joanne Cater  in 2005.
It proved to be so successful that it has now become established as a G.Y.O. ensemble and is open to both Junior and Intermediate members and players who are not attached to an orchestra.

 

Galway Youth Jazz Orchestra

Founded in 2006 this orchestra is under the direction of Fergal Gallagher (Rhythm Coach) and Director, John Fleming.

It comprises saxophone, trumpet, trombone, double bass,  guitar,bass guitar, piano/keyboard, drums at intermediate to advanced level. Competent music reading is important.