Highland Young Musicians activities provide fantastic opportunities to progress from the many school, area and independent groups which exist throughout the region. Members come from all over Highland.
In session 22/23, there are 6 groups:
Highland Regional Youth Orchestra; Highland Schools Wind Band; Highland Youth Choir; Highland Youth String Orchestra; Highland Youth Big Band & ‘snas (ceilidh band).
The groups are an ideal opportunity for members to make friends beyond their local areas and be a part of musical experiences of the highest standards. Members tell us that HYM groups mean…welcoming community; family; band-ter! and give a sense of purpose.
More information about all the groups and the annual calendar can be found at: www.highland-young-musicians.com
Membership for all groups is by invitation/Instructor recommendation although we welcome members who are not taught by High Life Highland Instructors, and we have a vibrant link with Gordonstoun School too.
Highland Young Musicians meet for intensive rehearsal days rather than weekly practices. There are usually 4 Saturday rehearsal days (Oct., Nov.,Feb., early March) prior to the Concerts Festival which sees all our groups perform for families and the general public. In 2023 this event is in Inverness cathedral on Saturday 18th March.
All players / singers should be approaching or above Grade 4 AB/Trinity standard when considering membership, or should have suitable experience. Musicians who are working towards the appropriate standards and aim to achieve this by September of the joining year are more than welcome.
We always encourage players to gain early musical experiences in a school or Area group (often run by High Life Highland Music Instructors). However – if you can’t access such a group in your home area, then HYM is the ideal chance to get that experience and make the most of your musical skills.
HYM groups aim to be self-financing & there is a membership charge (current details on the HYM website – link above)
HYM groups are all about inclusion and although we must ensure that membership charges cover the actual running costs of the years activities, we try our hardest to keep these costs as reasonable as possible, and instalment payments are offered. The costs involved reflect excellent value for money given the amount of music activity time and the standards of performance experiences achieved. HYM groups are great experiences in their own right, but can also provide a valuable stepping stone to national music groups for those who want to progress to that level.
We provide free transport to and from rehearsal days from Wick/Thurso (collecting at various places en-route south); Fort William; Kingussie & Grantown; Ullapool; Skye/Lochalsh – although this sometimes has to change depending on the numbers of members from each area.
Places are available in all Highland Young Musicians groups, and full details can be obtained from High Life Highland Instrumental Instructors; secondary school Music Departments or by contacting the Head of Music Development at: [email protected]
We particularly welcome singers (Highland Youth Choir) and bass/guitar/vocalists for HYBB. Members do not HAVE to be receiving lessons from High Life Highland to be able to apply and participate – all young musicians welcome!
Check Facebook (Highland Young Musicians) for updates and information or follow us on
Twitter: @MusiciansYoung Instagram: h_y_musicians You Tube: Highland Young Musicians