Esher and Dittons Youth Orchestra

Playing in a group adds a new dimension to learning a musical instrument that gives children a chance to make music in a fun, sociable and creative environment.

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“The children learn so much from playing in EDYO. Although each child has individual lessons outside of EDYO, without playing in an orchestra they have little opportunity to learn vital lessons such as listening to fellow musicians, playing together, and following a conductor. For many of the orchestra’s members EDYO is their first experience of ensemble playing; several of the schools the students attend don’t have orchestras, and there is often little opportunity to explore the classical repertoire.” - Megan Tress

About the Orchestra

When did the orchestra start?

The Esher and Dittons Youth Orchestra was set up in Autumn 2011 as a successor to the Orchestra of the Pagoda which ran from 1999 to 2009.

When does it meet?

Orchestra meets on the first 5 Sunday afternoons at the beginning of each term, to avoid conflict with school activities. Starts at 3pm.

Does the orchestra perform?

A public performance is presented on the last Sunday of each course, giving the players a feeling of real achievement as well as an opportunity to demonstrate their skills to their parents and other members of the audience. Players may volunteer a solo performance of a piece they have mastered to gain experience.

Who can participate?

EDYO welcomes players of grade 4 or above, aged between 8 and 16. No audition is required.

Where does the orchestra meet?

The orchestra meets at the Vera Fletcher Hall in Thames Ditton.

News

22nd April 2018

EDYO term starts and runs for 5 weeks, every Sunday between 14:30 and 16:30 at the Vera Fletcher Hall.

The EDYO Team

Michal Kaznowski - Principal Conductor
Michal has a fantastic rapport with the children, encouraging them to express themselves, so that EDYO is a place where the students can gain self-confidence as well as developing their musical talent.
Michal has taught for many years at the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music and is a member of the Maggini Quartet.

Megan Tress - Manager
Megan was born in Esher and grew up in Thames Ditton. She is a great supporter of classical music and committed to creating opportunities in the local community for children to play music together. For the last ten years Megan has also run stringed-instrument masterclasses in the Loire Valley, France, where teachers from the top UK conservatoires come to teach at both junior and adult level.
Megan is an expert brownie baker and bringer of chocolate happiness to children in orchestra breaks.

Amy Tress - Section Coach
As 1st violinist of the Solem Quartet, Amy enjoys a busy performing schedule all around the UK and Europe.
Amy is experienced teacher, privately, in schools and at the Royal Northern College of Music, and has given masterclasses and workshops across London in collaboration with Spitalfields Music and the Wigmore Hall learning centre.
Amy is a director of La Mariette Junior String Masterclasses in the Loire Valley, France.

Alessandro Ruisi - Section Coach
Alessandro is 1st violinist of the Ruisi Quartet in which he performs with his brother Max.
He is co-leader of the European Union Chamber Orchestra and the 12 Ensemble and regularly performs with the Philharmonia Orchestra. Alessandro is a first violin sectional coach for the National Children's Regional Orchestra, London, and has worked as a teaching assistant at such festivals as Bowdoin international festival, USA.

Sarah Kaznowski - Section Coach
Sarah is an accomplished Cellist and has worked for the BBC Symphony Orchestra for many years.

Amanda Hurton - Piano Accompanist
Amanda Hurton studied at Yehudi Menuhin School and Royal College of Music, and graduated with First Class Honours in Performance. She now has a busy career as piano teacher, accompanist, chamber music coach, adjudicator, and has examined for ABRSM for 19 years. Amanda is an experienced accompanist for concerts/festivals/auditions/competitions, and enjoys supporting and encouraging young instrumentalists on these special occasions.

Why?

What does your child gain from playing in a Youth Orchestra?

Intellectually demanding

Playing in a youth orchestra is an incredibly intellectually demanding exercise, and one that must command your full attention. Concentration is divided between your own playing, your section's timing, the orchestra's pace as well as keeping an ear and an eye on the conductor.

Augments interest in music

Playing in a group is great fun, and the social side of the orchestra means the children are more likely to stick with their instruments rather than becoming bored or disillusioned with classical music as a result of only ever having individual lessons.

Teaches Teamwork

The youth orchestra needs to function together as a team. Everyone needs to pull together and contribute with best efforts to produce a performance the audience want to hear.

Organisational skills

Juggling the practising of one's part between rehearsals, schoolwork and other activities is good practice for getting through workloads at university and in life.

Coping with pressure

Commitment to the team demands a high standard of play and minimising mistakes. Playing in front of an audience will help to overcome stage fright and boost confidence.

Cultural history

Music reflects the environment and the time of its composition. Learning a variety of music types in the classical traditions and each piece's background and storyline can advance our appreciation of our own and other cultures.

Past Programmes

Here are some examples of programmes the youth orchestra has performed in the recent past.

Contact us

Megan Tress
Phone: 0208 941 8532 / 07932 717 582

Supporters

Thank you to all our supporters who contribute in many ways to keep the Orchestra going.

RC Sherriff Trust

The R C Sherriff Trust is an independent charitable trust with the aim of advancing and developing the arts in the Borough of Elmbridge in Surrey.