Mayo Youth Orchestra has forty members ranging in age from 10 to 25. Members come from all over County Mayo.
We have performed in some truly amazing venues, from the National Concert Hall in Dublin and Aras an Uachtarain for President Michael D. Higgins, to further afield in Piazzale Tettuccio in Montecatini-Terme and the Golden Hall in Vienna.
We have performed in a variety of festivals nationally and internationally, including the IAYO Festival of Youth Orchestras in the National Concert Hall (2009, 2013, and 2018), the “One Future” World Orchestra Festival (Vienna, Austria, 2014), the Lisbon Music Fest (Portugal, 2016) and Toscana Music Festival (Italy, 2018).
We have also had the great opportunity to perform with a variety of other musical groups, from around Mayo and further afield! These have included collaborations with the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble, Waubonsie Valley High School Orchestra and Grand Haven High School Orchestra.
For a list of some of our previous concerts/events please click here
Rehearsals
Mayo Youth Orchestra practises every Saturday throughout the school year. Practices take place in the Music West Building, Castlebar from 12.30pm to 2pm.
Joining the Orchestra
We take applications in May and June for the following September, or throughout the year in consultation with the musical director. Please contact to request an application form (see the Contact Us page) if you have any interest in joining us.
The registration fee is €60 per child/student (€150 family membership). Membership enables you to join one or more groups within Music West.
Dress Code
We have two performance dress codes.
Formal Black
Ladies – black long-sleeved top and black skirt or trousers, or a black dress; black shoes. Dresses and skirts to be below the knee. A turquoise sash is also worn (supplied by the Youth Orchestra).
Gentlemen – black long-sleeved shirt, black trousers, black socks and shoes.
Informal Uniform
Black trousers and shoes, worn with Blue Youth Orchestra hoodie (ordered from the Youth Orchestra).
