On 13th July 2020 members of the Youth Orchestra, still unable to meet together in the flesh, joined together remotedly from their homes to delight their virtual audience through the wonders of Zoom.  The participants each played solo pieces which they had prepared for the concert.  The young musicians were introduced individually by Musical Director Jane Hainey and then performed.  The rather variable quality of Zoom did not spoil this wonderful live performance but we were very grateful to many of the musicians who re-recorded their pieces and sent them in to be included in this edited record of the concert.  We hope you enjoy it.

Like every other musical organisation all DGYO group activities have had to be stopped while we all cope with the Coronavirus.  Well, perhaps not all!  A few weeks ago our young players were set a challenge.  Those of them who were up for it were asked to record their orchestral parts from the wonderful BBC 10 Pieces arrangement of Henry Purcell's Rondeau from his suite of incidental music for the play Abdelazer.  Many of our players rose brilliantly to the challenge and this recording is the result.  

Incredible performances, hard work and leadership - Wow, that was great today, Well done all and thank you, you were brilliant!  The Dumfries and Galloway Youth Orchestra is going from strength to strength and we hope everyone who came along enjoyed our concert as much as we enjoyed performing.  Huge thanks to all those individuals and organisations that help and support the orchestra and who make it all possible.

We're very happy to announce that David Lyons, Sub  Principal Percussionist with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra has agreed to join us as percussion coach. Dave joined the BBC SSO as a permanent member in 1991 after studying with Martin Gibson and Pamela Dow at the RSAMD between 1982 - 1986.  Dave has freelanced with many different orchestras including the RSNO, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and Scottish Chamber Orchestra.  He also plays with both the Kinneil and Newtongrange Brass Bands.  Dave regularly works with adults and children as part of the BBC SSO's education programme which includes the BBC Ten Pieces.  In his spare time Dave is a gadget geek who also likes snooker!

Dave will be coming to help for the first time at our rehearsal on 18 January and will be joining us when he can thereafter.

We're delighted to tell you that we've managed to secure the help of Lewis Bettles, an exciting young trombone player, to coach our brass players at the 18 January and 1 February rehearsals.  Read on below...