Ensembles
All PYMS ensembles are free to join and to participate in. See the descriptions below for more details. ​
Some ensembles have their own contact details or Facebook pages. You can also use the "Contact Us" form on this site for more information on any of the groups.
Cooperative Big Band
The Cooperative Big Band (Coop BB) are a quality youth ensemble that has a highly regarded regional reputation that is currently on track to develop a national reputation.
This year they have performed at the Music For Youth (MFY) Regional Cornwall Festival and have qualified to perform at the Nationals in Birmingham for MFM. In addition, they have performed at many music festivals (Armed Forces Day main stage), corporate functions and local TV and radio opportunities.
This high-class ensemble consists of; a saxophone section, brass section, rhythm section and vocalist and has a varied repertoire covering many genres in addition to swing. It is run by 3 professional music tutors and is absolutely free to join!
If you play an instrument that fits the description above and you can read music, please come along on a Tuesday night 5-6.30pm (during Term Time only) at Lipson Cooperative Academy, Bernice Terrace, Plymouth PL4 7PG.​
The band has its own Facebook page at: Facebook
Plymouth Youth Symphony Orchestra
Plymouth Youth Symphony Orchestra started in October 2022 for musicians aged between 11 and 21. We are offering young musicians of intermediate and advanced ability (of grade 4 and above or equivalent), the opportunity to play exciting, challenging and varied orchestral works from symphonies to overtures and musicals to film music.
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Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello & Double Bass
Woodwind: Oboe, Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon
Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba
Percussion: Drum Kit, Timpani, Tuned
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As with all our ensembles it is free to join and to participate
Weekly rehearsals each Wednesday 5:30pm - 7:00pm at Marjon University
For more information contact pysorchestra@gmail.com or use the “Contact Us” form on this website.
The Legacy Choir
The Legacy Choir is a fun and friendly, high performing choir for young people from Year 7 upwards. No audition required, just a love of singing!
The choir gets involved with fun performances at events in the local community and exciting projects including exchanges to the USA and we sing a whole range of repertoire – something for everyone! We are the lead choir for the Plymouth International Chorus.
The choir meets Monday 4.15 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. at Montpelier Primary School.
Legacy A Capella (LEGS)
Membership of LEGS is drawn from members of the Legacy Choir by invitation/audition. They sing completely unaccompanied in a wide range of styles including contemporary a cappella including beatboxing. They have developed a fresh, exciting, energised sound and the group offers a completely different vocal experience for singers, where singers also take on leadership roles.
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Highlights have included a Royal Albert Hall Performance and placing 2nd in the ICCA UK quarter final in Feb 24 leading to qualifying for the UK semi final in London in April 2024.
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Meets Fridays from 4pm to 5.30pm at Montpelier Primary School.
Plymouth City Brass
Plymouth City Brass run both a highly successful academy band and training band, encouraging members of all ages and abilities to learn to play a brass instrument in a friendly, fun and challenging environment. These are supported by PYMS.
​Plymouth City Academy Band - MD Paul Norley
The Academy band was formed in 2019 to bridge the gap from the training and senior bands. The Academy band perform across the South West taking part in concerts and contests.
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Plymouth City Training Band - MD Gary Thompson
The Training Band was formed in 2003 and is open to anyone and everyone to come along and learn a brass instrument. Free tuition and free instrument rental allow for anyone to come along and learn in a safe, fun and creative environment.
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Training Band: Thursday Evenings - 6.00pm - 7.15pm
Academy Band: Thursday Evenings - 6:15 - 7:30pm
at The Soundhouse, Tor Bridge High Community College, Estover.
City of Sons: Youth Male Voice Choir
Our new youth male voice choir, City of Sons, started in September 2023 and is now well established with boys from across the city.
Rehearsals: Free to attend and take place at Mayflower Academy, Ham Drive every Tuesday (term time) from 5-6pm.
New Members: Very welcome to attend; no audition required.
For more information, use the contact us section on our website or email our choral director, Ryan Jenkins, at ryan.jenkins@mayfloweracademy.co.uk.
To find out what ‘The Sons’ get up to, check out their Facebook and Instagram pages @cityofsons.ymvc
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Plymouth Youth Strings
Our new Strings Ensemble started during the Summer Term of 2022 and is now well established. It is open to all existing string players at any level, between the ages of 7 and 18. Participation is free.
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The sessions are held on alternate Mondays in term time at the Lipson Cooperative Academy Music Department from 5 – 6.30 p.m.
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If you would like to join or require more information contact Richard Seddon at rseddonbass@gmail.com or use the “Contact Us” form on this website.
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Junior Concert Band
One of our longest running groups, The Plymouth Junior Concert Band has been established to offer young woodwind and brass musicians the opportunity to meet, and make music with other young players from across the city. It is aimed at children who have completed their whole class lessons in primary school and are either continuing to play at school or privately. However, any pupils who haven’t had the opportunity to continue through school but would like to join would also be very welcome.
The anticipated age range is 8-13 years but the group is certainly not age-restricted.
The band will rehearse every Wednesday in school term time from 4.00 – 5.00pm at Devonport High School for Boys.
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Use the “Contact Us” link below for more information.
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Special Voices Choir
Plymouth Special Voices Choir, is a free, fully inclusive choir. It is open to any Plymouth child (5-19) with an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP).
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The Choir started in September 2023 and is based at Woodlands Special School (PL6 5ES) on a Tuesday evening, 4:30-5:30.
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Run and Directed by our SEND Music Lead – Stuart Penman.
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For more information contact: spenman@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk
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Plymouth Youth Steel
Plymouth Youth Steel is a steel pans band that has just been relaunched after a gap of a couple of years.
Rehearsals are at Devonport High School for Boys on Wednesdays, 6.20pm – 7.40pm during term time. The band is mainly aimed at Key stage 3 and Key stage 4 players.
The band is led by Rachael Duchnovski, a top steel band player who has performed regularly at national events including the Notting Hill Carnival and the Albert Hall.
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New players always welcome! Use the "Contact Us" form on this website for more information.
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