The West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra is directed by James Lowe and was established in 1996 following the break-up of the former Strathclyde Region and the demise of the Strathclyde Schools Symphony Orchestra.
Since then, WSSSO has continued to provide professional training and performance opportunities to talented musicians from schools throughout west and central Scotland.
With many excellent young players in every section, a team of professional tutors and James Lowe at the helm, WSSSO can give its members an unequalled experience, tackling the full range of orchestral repertoire including overtures, concerti, orchestral suites & grand symphonies.
Jay Capperauld – Westering Echoes
Rosauro – Marimba Concerto (Soloist Ewan Millar)
Samuel Coleridge – Taylor: Danse Négre
Vaughan Williams – A London Symphony
Antonín Dvořák – The Noon Witch
Richard Strauss – Four Last Songs (Soloist Emma Morewood)
Anna Clyne – <<rewind<<
Manuel de Falla – El sombrero de tres picos (Three-Cornered Hat)
Quinn Mason – Toast of the Town
Chaminade – Concertino for Flute (Soloist: Cody Macdonald)
Hector Berlioz – Symphonie Fantastique
Each year in spring, the symphony orchestra meets for a Taster Day event. This gives members the opportunity to meet and play together before the main residential summer course in June. The day ends with a short, informal performance for parents.
The summer course runs from the 1st Sunday in June through to the following Saturday. The course begins with 2 days of sectional rehearsals and continues with 4 days of full orchestra in preparation for the end of course concert.
In addition to music rehearsals, social & team building activities also take place during the week providing plenty of opportunity for members to develop friendships that are such an important part of the success of WSSO. Our talent show, barbeque and ‘End of Course Ceilidh’ are all highly popular annual events.
On the final morning (Saturday), RCS Junior students are dropped off in time for their 1st class while the remaining orchestra members are dropped at Collins Street, part of the University of Strathclyde campus in Glasgow City Centre.
At the end of the residential course, orchestra members spend Saturday evening at home before returning the following day for an afternoon rehearsal and evening concert, most often at a large concert venue in Glasgow. The fabulous New Auditorium at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow is one of the venues often used.
After the summer break, orchestra members come together for a full day rehearsal in preparation for the annual Showcase Concert at Glasgow’s City Halls, Glasgow.
The Showcase Concert is the highlight of the season; an opportunity to celebrate all the hard work that has taken place during the season and well-known for the exceptionally high level of musical performance.
A wide range of additional opportunities arise each year for WSSO ensemble members. Recent additional events for symphony orchestra members include;
Leader & Concerto Competition:
The winner of the Leader Competition leads the orchestra for the coming season while the concerto winner performs as soloist with the orchestra.
Recent winners include violinist, Rosie Wallbanks, who led the orchestra and flautist Cody Macdonald (flute) who performed as soloist with the symphony orchestra during season 2024.
2016 Concert Tour to Italy:
As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, the symphony orchestra travelled to Tuscany, Italy during July to perform 3 large scale concerts in Pescia, Pistoia Cathedral and Montecatini. Wonderful music, dramatic venues, large & enthusiastic audiences, warm weather, glorious scenery and visits to Lucca, Sienna and Florence all combined to ensure this was a memorable trip for all involved.
Side by Side Events:
Our ensemble members are regularly invited to take part in partnership events created to provide young musicians with the experience of performing with the country’s top professional orchestras.
Recent events have included a performance for string players in Kilmarnock’s Grand Hall with the SCO and combining forces with the RSNO for a double-sized orchestral performance of Scheherazade in the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow.
Members regularly describe these events as ‘inspirational’ and plans are currently being developed to strengthen our relationship with professional orchestras and provide further opportunities for our members in future.
For further details on our annual events, please see our Events & Concerts page here
What level do I need to be playing at to be eligible to apply?
The recommended minimum level for application to our senior ensembles is approximately ABRSM Grade 6+ and applicants should be S.2 – S.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. Applications can be made from August on our website and auditions for senior ensembles take place during November.