County Groups
Take your music further!
Ready to take your music to the next level?
Lincolnshire Music Service County Groups bring together some of the county’s most committed and talented young musicians to rehearse, perform and experience music-making at the highest level.
Whether you are already performing confidently or are looking for your next musical challenge, County Groups offer an exciting pathway to develop your playing, meet other young musicians and be part of something bigger.
From major concerts in Lincolnshire to national performances, collaborations, residentials and international tours, County Groups give young musicians experiences that stay with them for life.
Come and be part of it.
Your next musical adventure
Being part of a County Group is about much more than rehearsing and performing.
You will have the opportunity to:
- perform challenging and exciting music alongside other ambitious young musicians
- develop your technical skills, musical understanding and confidence
- work with experienced professional musicians and inspirational conductors
- perform in prestigious venues and major concerts
- take part in workshops, masterclasses and creative projects
- meet young musicians from across Lincolnshire who share your passion for music
- contribute your ideas and have a voice in shaping the programme
- take part in residential experiences
- represent Lincolnshire at national and, where opportunities arise, international events and tours.
Our repertoire reflects the interests and ambitions of our young musicians, ranging from classical repertoire to film music, contemporary works and music from a wide range of traditions and styles.
Rehearsal Dates:
Saturday rehearsals will be held at Lincolnshire Music Service Headquarters:
Lincolnshire Music Service, Lime Grove, Cherry Willingham, Lincoln, LN3 4BD.
Saturday 7th November, 2026
Sunday 10th January, 2027
Saturday 30th January 2027
Saturday 27th February 2027
All rehearsals are 10.00am – 2.30pm
The Residential 6th – 9th April 2027:
The residential will be held at Repton School, Willington Road, Repton, Derby, DE65 6FH. Transport to the residential WILL BE PROVIDED.
The Showcase Concert:
9th April 2027 -St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham
Membership:
Lincolnshire Youth String Orchestra – £299 including the residential
Lincolnshire Youth Wind Orchestra – £299 including the residential
- Membership fees shown above apply for the academic year 2026-27.
- A monthly payment plan is available to all.
- Remission is available for all students who qualify as ‘free school meals’ or ‘looked after children’.
- Payment details will be provided following application and acceptance.
Who can join?
County Groups are aimed at young musicians who are ready for the challenge of playing in a high-level ensemble.
Entry is based on musical ability, potential, commitment and the needs of each ensemble. You do not have to attend a particular school or Music Centre to be considered.
If you are unsure whether County Groups are right for you, speak to your LMS tutor or your Music Centre Leader. We are always happy to talk about the next step in your musical journey. Any enquiries can be made to musicservice@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Ready to take the next step?
Think County Groups could be right for you? We’d love to hear you play.
Membership is offered following a successful video audition. We want to hear you performing at your current level and understand your musical potential.
Your video audition
New applicants are asked to submit a recording of themselves performing a piece that reflects their current playing standard (Grade 5 or above).
Your recording should:
- be approximately 2–3 minutes long
- demonstrate your current playing standard
- be a piece that you feel represents your playing well
- be recorded as a single performance where possible.
You don’t need professional recording equipment – we are interested in your playing, not the quality of the recording.
Our team will listen to your audition and consider your musical standard, potential and suitability for the ensemble.
What happens next?
If you are successful, we will invite you to join the appropriate County Group and provide you with information about rehearsals, performances and what to expect.
If you are not quite ready for County Groups yet, that doesn’t mean the journey ends there. Your tutor or Music Centre Leader can help you identify the next steps to develop your playing and work towards applying in the future.
Ready to take your music further?
Apply Here
Current members of the Lincolnshire Youth String Orchestra or Lincolnshire Youth Wind Orchestra, as well as former members wishing to return, do not need to re-audition. However, they must submit a new application.
Our Orchestras:
Lincolnshire Youth String Orchestra:
LYSO brings together talented young string players from across Lincolnshire and surrounding areas – violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp.
The orchestra provides an opportunity for young string players to develop their ensemble skills, musical confidence and performance experience through challenging and exciting repertoire.
Members work with experienced professional musicians and conductors, preparing for concerts, special events and other performance opportunities throughout the year.
Lincolnshire Youth Wind Orchestra:
LYWO brings together talented young woodwind, brass and percussion players from across Lincolnshire.
The ensemble explores an exciting and varied programme of repertoire, giving musicians the opportunity to develop their technical skills, musical understanding and ensemble playing while performing alongside other committed young musicians.
LYWO also provides a progression route into larger-scale orchestral performance. Members of LYWO may be selected to perform with the Lincolnshire Youth Symphony Orchestra for particular projects and performances, giving young musicians the opportunity to broaden their experience and perform alongside string players in a full symphony orchestra.
Woodwind – flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone
Brass – trumpet, cornet, tenor horn, French horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba
Percussion – drum kit, orchestral percussion
Playing at the highest level
Our County Groups give young musicians the opportunity to challenge themselves, work with other ambitious musicians and experience the commitment and rewards of performing as part of a high-level ensemble.
Full Commitment:
Gaining membership of a Lincolnshire County Group represents a significant personal achievement. However, membership also requires significant responsibility to demonstrate a very high level of personal commitment at all times.
We aim to ensure high levels of performance and presentation at all times. Members are expected to make a full commitment to all rehearsal dates and concerts for the season.
Exam Preparation (GCSE/A Level):
Many of our members will be undertaking examinations during the summer term. It is possible to combine full participation and attendance of a county group with your exams. You already know that these exams will be in the summer term, so start planning your revision now! During the residential there will be some ‘free time’. We always provide a quiet space for you to sit and work, should you wish to. Be organized!
Concert Dress Code:
Black trousers, long sleaved black formal shirt, or black skirt/black dress (below the knee), black socks, black shoes.
The Residential:
The residential course takes place during the Easter holidays for four days and three nights. The cost of the residential is included in the membership fee, as is the transport to it. Pick up points will be from major towns in the county.
All food – breakfast, lunch and dinner – will be provided.
All members are expected to take part in the residential.
The Showcase Concert:
Both orchestras will perform a professionally staged concert at the end of the residential. Some members of the Wind Orchestra will be invited to join with the String Orchestra to create Lincolnshire Youth Symphony Orchestra who will perform the finale of the concert.