The West of Scotland Schools' Symphony Orchestra (WSSSO) is a youth orchestra that provides training and performance opportunities to musicians who attend schools across west and central Scotland. The orchestra is run by the West of Scotland Schools Orchestras (WSSO) Trust. The orchestra is conducted by James Lowe. It was established in 1996 after the break-up of the former Strathclyde region.
History
In April 1996, with the abolition of the Strathclyde region, the old Strathclyde Schools Symphony Orchestra was disbanded. Some funds had been set aside and the University of Strathclyde took over responsibility for administration of providing musical opportunity for pupils across the 12 new local authorities that comprised the old regional council.[1]James MacMillan agreed to be a patron.[2] The new arrangements were not without teething problems, with some pupils that were offered places later withdrawing on account of being asked for fees to cover sumer tuition.[3] The trust became registered as a charity in 1999.[4] In 2014, two further ensembles were launched following the success of the WSSSO and concert band.[5] When surveyed, WSSSO participants (along with other musicians who had advanced youth symphony involvement) reported positive experiences.[6]
November: Auditions take place. Candidates are required to play a single piece and undertake a sight-reading test. January: Solo/Concerto competition. This is an opportunity for members to compete for a chance to feature as a soloist in the orchestra's programme for the following year. April: Taster day. Held at the University of Strathclyde. The orchestra meets to rehearse and perform a programme in just one day. May: Joint rehearsal with RSNO. It is held at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. June: A residential course, week-long course, usually held at Carberry Tower, in Musselburgh. This culminates in a concert at a venue such as Paisley Town Hall. August: Further public concerts, including the Schools Concerts Initiative which sees the orchestra visit a partner local authority secondary school to perform, and a Joint Showcase Concert performance with the Concert Band in Glasgow's City Halls, Grand Hall.
Concerts are played in venues such as New Lanark, Vikingar, and RSAMD concert hall, and are well attended. Their 2004 performance at the NAYO festival was described as "a very expressive and enjoyable performance".[8]
