Events in the next few months :
Sunday 26th January 2025, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 23rd February 2025, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 23rd March 2025, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Easter Course and Concert 2025
Thursday 17th April 2025 10.00am–12.30pm (SEYSO and SEYTO) and 1.30pm–4.00pm (SEYSO only)
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Saturday 19th April 2025
Rehearsals 10.00am–12.30pm (SEYSO only) and 1.30pm–4.15pm (SEYSO and SEYTO)
Rehearsal at Rayleigh Methodist Church,78 Eastwood Road, SS6 7JP
Saturday 19th April 2025 – 7.00pm
Concert at Rayleigh Methodist Church, 78 Eastwood Road, SS6 7JP
All aspects of orchestral training
SEYSO
SEYSO is a Symphonic Orchestra for children/young adults which provides orchestral training for young musicians through a series of monthly workshops, three substantive annual courses and major public performances.
There is a large staff of specialist tutors and a team of experienced conductors. Members also benefit from the expertise of local, national and international guest directors, giving them access to an extensive range of musical genres featuring the great classics as well as modern and baroque works.
SEYSO collaborates with other youth and adult organisations, choral, dance and theatre groups, to provide a hugely broad range of musical genre and opportunities. We also work with local Cultural Development and Arts Councils to obtain discounts on other events not coordinated by ourselves.
As well as coaching in all aspects of orchestral musicianship, SEYSO offers advice on instrument care and maintenance, tuning and intonation, posture and deportment, practice techniques and careers in music.
There is a friendly and relaxed social atmosphere over a wide age range. (Over 18s can remain members as long as they are in further education.)
Our participants include an enormous age range of individuals in education from Primary to Higher Education. One of our unique attributes is the provision of orchestral training for students as young as 8 years, where the younger ones benefit from the participation of their older and more experienced role models. Across all ages, students acquire an understanding of the contribution of other individuals in the Organisation. We feel that this form of participation in a full symphony orchestra develops communication, presentation, teamwork and leadership skills, in a manner that few other groups can replicate.
Membership of SEYSO is open to orchestral instrumentalists from about grade 3.
SEYTO
For beginners up to about grade 3, an associated group SEYTO, meets at approximately the same times and usually on the same premises.
SEYTO shares the friendly and relaxed social atmosphere, offering beginners the opportunity to work and perform alongside SEYSO and make a natural progression up to it.
Further Details
If you need further details not on the website, please call the SEYSO message line, text or email :
Message line 1 : 01268 743069
Message line 2 : 01702 207912
Mobile : 07958 193390
seyso_team@hotmail.com
Registered Charity Number : 1057748
Annual Provision
8 workshops
Typically Sunday afternoons at the end of September, October, November,
January, February, March, May and June. Repertoire is studied in
sectionals and full orchestra with a short performance to parents and
friends at the end of the afternoon, to which both SEYSO and SEYTO
contribute.
3 courses with major public performances
Typically at Christmas, Easter and Summer. SEYSO courses are usually
over 3 to 5 days, with SEYTO over 2 to 5 days on the same premises.
Special events
We have performed at private
functions and in special events to help raise funds for charity. We have
played on Southend Pier, at the Southend Bandstand, in the barn of a
local farm (with a picnic supper to follow), and we’ve teamed up with
other performing groups at churches, theatres, schools and other venues
across the South Essex area.
Membership
Membership of SEYSO is £100 per academic year or, for SEYTO, just £65 per year.
There is a 10% discount to any student who has been a member of SEYSO, SEYTO, SYO or Highly Strung at any time since September 2019.
A pro-rota charge is made for individuals joining part way through the academic year.
There is 20% discount for younger siblings and no charge to students who
have left secondary school, with whom we like to keep contact and
invite back to take part in events between terms like the famous
Christmas Concert on 23rd December.
Newcomers are charged (a reimbursable) £5 per morning or afternoon trial session.
Fees should be paid by cheque, made payable to SEYSO, and posted or handed to a member of staff. Alternatively, you can hand your fees in at the registration desk at a Sunday workshop.
Subscriptions can also be paid by monthly standing order. For the eleven months from October to August next year, SEYSO membership is £9.25 a month and SEYTO membership is only £6.00 a month.
We are grateful for the support of Music on Sea.
Previous Events
Christmas Course and Concert 2024
A Christmas HamperMonday 23rd December 2024 - 7pm Concert
Rayleigh Methodist Church,78 Eastwood Road, SS6 7JP
A selection of popular and classical music, carols and capers
Adults £10, concessions £9, students/children £5, family £25 (2 adults and up to 4 children)
Tickets available here online and subject to availability, on the door.
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 22nd December 2024 10.00am–12.30pm (SEYSO and SEYTO) and 1.30pm–4.00pm (SEYSO only)
Rehearsal and Concert at Rayleigh Methodist Church,78 Eastwood Road, SS6 7JP
Monday 23rd December 2024 - Rehearsals
Rehearsals 10.00am–12.30pm (SEYSO only) and 1.30pm–4.15pm (SEYSO and SEYTO)
Monday 23rd December 2024 - 7pm Concert
Sunday 24th November 2024, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 20th October 2024, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 29th September 2024, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 30th June 2024, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 19th May 2024, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
An Easter Concert of Stories
RehearsalsSaturday 6th April 2024 1.45pm–4.30pm
Performance
Saturday 6th April 2024 - 7pm
Rayleigh Methodist Church, Eastwood Road, SS6 7JP
Adults £10, concessions £9, students/children £5, family £25 (2 adults and up to 4 children)
Tickets available here online and subject to availability, on the door.
Sunday 24th March 2024, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 25th February 2024, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 28th January 2024, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Christmas Course and Concert 2023
Rehearsals at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZThursday 21st December 2023 (SEYSO only) 10.00am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.00pm
Friday 22nd December 2023 (SEYSO and SEYTO) 10.00am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.00pm
Rehearsal at The Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, SS6 7ED
Saturday 23rd December 2023 2.00pm–4.45pm
Concert at The Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, SS6 7ED
Saturday 23rd December 2023 7pm
A Christmas Hamper - A selection of popular and classical music, carols and capers
Adults £10, concessions £9, students/children £5, family £25 (2 adults and up to 4 children)
Tickets available here online and subject to availability, on the door.
Please note earlier start time at 7pm
Sunday 26th November 2023, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh, SS6 9BZ
Sunday 29th October 2023, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 24th September 2023, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 25 June 2023, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh, SS6 9BZ
Sunday 21 May 2023, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh, SS6 9BZ
Easter Course and Concert - On the Water
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZThursday 6th April 2023 10.00am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.00pm Rehearsals
Rehearsal at The Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, SS6 7ED
Saturday 8th April 2023 2pm–5.00pm
Concert at The Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, SS6 7ED
Saturday 8th April 2023 - 7.30pm Concert
The Essex Concert Orchestra, South Essex Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir present a selection of timeless themes and songs depicting water and the sea.
Sunday 26 March 2023, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh, SS6 9BZ
Sunday 26th February 2023, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 29th January 2023, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Christmas Course and Concert
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZThursday 22nd December 2022 10.00am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.00pm Rehearsals
Friday 23rd December 2022 10.00am–12.30
Workshop at The Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, SS6 7ED
Friday 23rd December 2022 1.30pm–4.00pm Rehearsals
Concert at The Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, SS6 7ED
Friday 23rd December 2022 - 7.30pm Concert
A Christmas Hamper of festive music and carols at the newly reopened Mill Hall, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh.
Tickets £10(adults), £8(seniors) and £5 (children)
Purchase tickets online here
Audience will be seated around tables and are invited to bring their own snacks and drinks, light refreshments are available.
Easter Course and Concert
The FitzWimarc School, Hockley Road, Rayleigh, SS6 8EBWednesday 13th April 10.00am–12.30 and 1.30pm–4.00pm Rehearsals
Thursday 14th April 10.00am–12.30 and 1.30pm–4.00pm Rehearsals
Thursday 14th April - 7.30pm Concert
A concert of Classical Dance Music by SEYSO and South Essex Brass Academy
Minimum donation £10(adults), £8(seniors) and £5 (children)
Audience are invited to bring their own snacks and drinks, we hope to serve tea and coffee during a short comfort break
We respectfully request visitors take a lateral flow test prior to attending the concert.
Orchestral workshops
Sunday 27 March 2022, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Sunday 27 February 2022, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Heycroft School, Benvenue Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 5SJ
Sunday 30 January 2022, 1.15pm–5pm
Workshop at Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh, SS6 9BZ
A Christmas Hamper - Christmas Course and Concert
Tuesday 21st - Thursday 23rd December 2021
The Fitzwimarc School, Hockley Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 8EB
Sunday 5th December 2021 1.15pm – 5pm
Heycroft School, Benvenue Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 5SJ
Sunday 31st October 2021 1.15pm – 5pm
Heycroft School, Benvenue Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 5SJ
Sunday 26th September 2021 1.15pm – 5pm
Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh, SS6 9BZ
Sunday 4th July 2021 1.15pm (SEYTO 1.45pm) -5pm
Heycroft School, Leigh-on-Sea
Sunday 1st November 2020 2020 1.15pm (SEYTO 1.45pm) -5pm
Heycroft School, Leigh-on-Sea
Sunday 11th October 2020 1.15pm (SEYTO 1.45pm) -5pm
Heycroft School, Leigh-on-Sea
Sunday 23rd February 2020 1.15pm (SEYTO 1.45pm) -5pm
The Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Rayleigh Drive, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 9BY
Sunday 26th January 2020 1.15pm (SEYTO 1.45pm) – 5pm
The Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Rayleigh Drive, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 9BY
A Christmas Hamper
Monday 23rd December 2019 7.30pm
Southend High School for Boys (Music Block), Prittlewell Chase, Southend, SS0 0RG
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