Apply Now for Season 2025

Applications still accepted for Viola, French Horn and Tuba (senior ensembles) and Training Ensembles (all instruments)

Applications and Information for Season 2025

Scroll Down to View/Complete your Application All applicants are expected to support their school and local authority ensemble(s). The minimum age & playing level for entry is shown below. Please note ABRSM Grades shown are approximate for guidance only.

Membership Requirements: Training Ensembles (String Orchestra & Training Band)

  • No auditions are currently held for training ensembles and we try to accommodate all applicants.
  • Membership is open to strings, woodwind, brass and percussion players currently in P7 – S4 / ABRSM Grade 3+
  • Applications must be accompanied by a reference from the instrumental teacher. This can be emailed separately to; info@wsso.org.uk
  • We understand that some applicants may have yet to sit a graded exam so we always advise that you consult with your instrumental teacher before applying

Membership Requirements: Senior Ensembles (Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band)

  • Membership is open to strings, woodwind, brass and percussion players currently in S2-6 / ABRSM Grade 6+
  • We understand that some applicants may have yet to sit a graded exam so we always advise that you consult with your instrumental teacher before applying

Audition requirements (Senior Ensemble Applicants Only)

  • Auditions will take place during November
  • We will contact you early November with details of your audition time and location

You are required to play a single piece (approximately 3 – 5 minutes) and undertake a simple sight-reading test. Percussionists should prepare 1 piece on tuned percussion and another on EITHER snare drum or timpani. All auditions are unaccompanied. In choosing your music, please select something that best demonstrates your ability. Your instrumental teacher will be able to advise.

Cost of Membership: Season 2025

Training Ensembles (String Orchestra & Training Band)

  • £300 for pupils attending a west of Scotland local authority secondary school
  • £400 for independent school pupils & pupils from outwith the WSSO local authority catchment area

This includes April Taster Day, May Sectional Rehearsal, 4 Day Residential Course & Concert event in Glasgow

Senior Ensembles (Symphony Orchestra & Concert Band)

  • £425 for pupils attending a west of Scotland local authority secondary school
  • £525 for independent school pupils & pupils from outwith the WSSO local authority catchment area

This includes April Taster Day, 7 Day Residential Course, June Concert, August Rehearsal & Showcase Concert

Further Information on Member Contributions and how the Trust is financed, is available HERE

APPLICATION FORM

Teacher Comments Must be provided – If sending separately, please email to admin@wsso.org.uk

SECTION 1 - ABOUT THE APPLICANT

INSTRUMENT YOU ARE APPLYING ON:

I WISH TO APPLY FOR THE FOLLOWING ENSEMBLE(S)
Symphony Orchestra S2 – S6 / ABRSM GD 6+Concert Band S2 – S6 / ABRSM GD 6+Training Band P7 – S4 / ABRSM GD 3+String Orchestra P7 – S4 / ABRSM GD 3+
PLEASE NOTE: ABRSM GRADES SHOWN ABOVE ARE FOR GUIDANCE ONLY (NOT COMPULSORY)

FIRST NAME
SURNAME
DATE OF BIRTH (DD/MM/YYYY)
GENDER

LOCAL AUTHORITY (OF SCHOOL)

YEAR AT SCHOOL
SCHOOL ATTENDED
OTHER INSTRUMENTS PLAYED
SAXOPHONISTS ONLY - PLEASE STATE ORDER OF PREFERENCE
(EG. ALTO 1 / TENOR 3 / BARITONE 2)
ALTO TENOR BARITONE
PLAYED
WERE YOU A MEMBER LAST YEAR? IF SO WHAT ENSEMBLE DID YOU PLAY WITH? OTHERWISE ANSWER ‘NO’

DO YOU ATTEND THE RCS JUNIOR SCHOOL?

SECTION 2 - CONTACT DETAILS

ADDRESS (LINE 1)
ADDRESS (LINE 2)
ADDRESS (LINE 3)
POSTCODE
FULL NAME OF PARENT / CARER
APPLICANT EMAIL ADDRESS (PLEASE DO NOT USE GLOW EMAIL ADDRESS)
PARENT/CARER EMAIL ADDRESS
HOME TELEPHONE NO.
MOBILE NUMBER OF PARENT/CARER
MOBILE NUMBER OF APPLICANT

SECTION 3 - PLAYING EXPERIENCE

BRIEF DETAILS OF PLAYING EXPERIENCE & GRADES ATTAINED

SECTION 4 - INSTRUMENTAL TEACHER (Can be emailed separately to; admin@wsso.org.uk)

NAME OF INSTRUMENTAL TEACHER
CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS
PLEASE COMMENT ON APPLICANT’S ABILITY AND COMMITMENT

I have permission from the following to apply for membership
PARENT/CARERHEAD TEACHER (PRIMARY/INDEPENDENT PUPILS) OR HEAD OF MUSIC (SECONDARY PUPILS)INSTRUMENTAL TEACHER

CHECK THIS BOX TO AGREE IF OFFERED A PLACE, I WILL ATTEND ALL EVENTS, INCLUDING AUGUST REHEARSALS AND CONCERTS