Over the years our supporters have seen numerous smiling faces of the talented youngsters from Pendle, Burnley and the surrounding areas. Frequently changing for the obvious reason of leaving schools and going to college and/or university. This in itself causing our Musical Director, Stuart, to tear his hair out at times.

However, looking forwards is always the main aim of Pendle Youth Orchestra and new members are always welcome. There are no age or ability limits, although a basic knowledge of music is obviously beneficial.

The orchestra plays a wide range of Classical through to Big Band, Easy Listening and Popular Music, providing something for everyone and a guaranteed new repertoire for the discerning ear.

The orchestra is a self supporting organisation, relying on revenue from concerts and the hard work and commitment from the orchestra members and parents during the fundraising season. The cost of one orchestral score is phenomenal, which explains our in house arrangements from Stuart and our very talented brass player Matthew Hargreaves. We are always on the look out for possible sponsorship and for this we are willing to do what we do best - perform.

These members are taken from Pendle, Burnley and the surrounding areas and there are no age or ability limits, although a basic knowledge of music is obviously beneficial. Four years ago the Orchestra was fortunate to gain a grant from the National Lottery, through the Arts Council, with which we bought 54 woodwind and brass instruments.

The current Musical Director, Stuart Dickinson, joined the orchestra at the tender age of 9 and has progressed through the ranks over the past years. Music has always been Stuart's greatest hobby but the pleasure he has gained since his appointment as Musical Director makes him think about a possible career for the future.