ORCHESTRA
CONCERT
Intermediate level - Grade 4 to 6 standard on all orchestral instruments.
Plays lighter classical works, film, games and TV themes.
Minimum age for joining is 9 years.
SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA
For musicians Grade 6 standard and above on all orchestral instruments.
Plays more challenging music, including symphonies, orchestral suites and overtures, as well as film and games themes.
PLAY
Experience playing in a full orchestra with young musicians from Devon and beyond with specialised help from highly trained professional coaches. Regular rehearsals take place in a safe and comfortable environment and all staff are DBS checked.
EXPLORE
Perform in exciting events from concerts in Exeter Cathedral to performances at the Devon County Show. Play alongside a wide range of musicians from choirs and major orchestras (BBC and BSO) to rock bands.
ENJOY
Take part in the Devon Schools Mix Festival, and play in termly concerts for family and friends - including a Christmas celebration and our summer picnic concert.
Paul Painter Musical Director
Paul studied horn, piano and composition at Dartington College of Arts before qualifying as a teacher. He has worked as an instrumental teacher in a range of schools in Devon and performs as a singer and pianist, and as a horn-player in orchestras throughout the South-West.
He was for several years conductor of the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra, principal horn and deputy conductor of the Exeter Symphony Orchestra, and is at present musical director of both the Devon Youth Concert and Symphony Orchestras.
Until recently he was a Music Development Leader for the Devon & Torbay Music Education Hubs. He is now working on a range of freelance projects, and is returning to performing, composition and songwriting.
Compositions range from numerous songs to orchestral works, including arrangements for rock band & orchestra; as well as music for brass ensemble, choir and jazz band.
Mel Orriss
Assistant Conductor
Mel studied flute at Chetham's School of Music and then at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Peter Lloyd. Following her degree she spent a further year on the Postgraduate Orchestral Training course at the Guildhall, winning the Philip Jones Prize for orchestral playing. As a student she was a semi-finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition, and also toured with the European Community Orchestra.
Following an extensive and successful career as a flautist, Mel's passion for arranging and composing led her to co-founding the music publishing company Wonderful Winds in 2010. The company has since built a global reputation for excellence, providing inspiring ensemble music for wind players of all ages worldwide, and it's publications have been major prize winners in the National Flute Association(USA) Newly Published Music Competition.
As well as running Wonderful Winds Mel teaches flautists of all ages, and coaches flute ensembles and woodwind groups.She is the musical director of Flute Cocktail, Tavistock, and is the Assistant Conductor and woodwind coach for the Devon Youth Orchestras. She also enjoys travelling the country with the Wonderful Winds Flute Roadshow.