The Friends of Southampton Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is a charitable organisation whose aim is to support the various orchestral ensembles that are part of the Southampton Youth Orchestras. We have been supporting the orchestras since 1971.
The ensembles form a pyramid of young players starting with a broad base of those gaining their first experience of orchestral playing, from Acorn strings, through to Elgar strings, Southampton Youth Strings (SYS), Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) and all the way up to the Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO) itself, one of the UK’s foremost youth orchestras.
Most of the FSYO committee members are parents of current players. Musical directors are also represented ex officio.
We support the orchestras in many ways, for example by providing new instruments and music, and by giving financial support for tours, residential weekends and specialist sectional support. This is in addition to the funding from the Southampton Music Services which pays for the orchestra conductors and rehearsal venues.
You can support us by becoming a Member
Just download the membership application form. Membership is great value at just £10 per year per family, or £40 for four years. You also help by filling in the gift aid form. All this money goes to supporting the orchestras.
Subscriptions form an important part of our income, and we welcome as many new members as possible each year. At the same time there are many other ways to support your child, and others, in making music. Individual orchestras are always pleased to have offers of help throughout the year. Chairs need to be put out at the start of rehearsals (and children encouraged to tidy up at the end!). The musical director will appreciate a hand with getting boxes of music out of their car, and having a tea or coffee ready at breaktime. Concerts are easier with a few extra helpers, perhaps running the raffle or serving refreshments. Larger instruments may need transport. Most orchestras have a rota to share the workload for things like this – just ask at the next rehearsal.
FSYO is a Registered Charity, no. 283789.