Patron: James MacMillan
The Manx Youth Orchestra was formed in 1971 to offer opportunities for orchestral playing for young musicians throughout the island. The joy and cameraderie gained through working and performing with like minded people have affected thousands of local musicians during the orchestra's 47 year history and remain with many today through enduring friendships and music making continuing into adult life, often professionally.
Every Saturday during term time, over 200 young musicians meet at St Ninian's High School to rehearse in various groups, helping them to develop their skills in a fun and purposeful atmosphere through a range of musical styles. Any child who has reached grade 1 standard on an orchestral instrument or guitar may join. As players' skills develop they gain different experiences by playing in different groups. All ensembles are led by a highly skilled and professional team of tutors from the Isle of Man Music Service and secondary schools around the Island.
Throughout the decades the orchestra has travelled to many countries around the world to perform, to learn about the people and places they visit and to share the culture of the Isle of Man with those further afield. Our Senior String Orchestra completed an extremely successful tour to Paris in July 2018, where they performed to great acclaim in some wonderful central venues such as the magnificent L'eglise de la Madeleine and The Church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois as well as enjoying the delights Disneyland Paris and a boat trip on the River Seine. The city was certainly party mood, celebrating World Cup success and the very hot summer! The students taking part in the tour were from years 6-12 and we enjoyed a super bowling trip prior to the tour to allow everyone to get to know each other. This was a huge hit as the the ice cream treat after our return! Many thanks to the FMYO for their support of this tour.
We are most grateful for the continued support of the Friends of the Manx Youth Orchestra. Without their ongoing help towards the cost of every tour for every member we would not have been able to take a full and balanced musical group. They have also funded a new set of tubular bells. Above all, we appreciate all our supporters, families and friends for all they do to ensure the MYO can continue to provide such high quality and meaningful experiences for our young musicians. Thank you.
Under the general umbrella of the Manx Youth Orchestra the following groups meet regularly on Saturday mornings: String Ensemble, Wind Band, Manx Youth String Orchestra, Manx Youth Wind Orchestra: Training Orchestra, Concert Band, Manx Youth Orchestra, Manx Youth Jazz Orchestra.
For more information about joining the orchestra or for details of our forthcoming events please call the Music Centre: 686555.