Patron: Chris Jarvis

A Saturday morning music centre for young musicians of all ages ... 

The Centre offers ensemble classes for all abilities and most instruments. Established in January 1971 by Don Riddell MBE (then director of music at Poole College), the CWYM has provided lively musical training for over 36 years.

The Centre’s largest and best known ensemble is the Wessex Youth Orchestra. Directed by Susanna Riddell, the WYO performs a minimum of 3 concerts a year, delighting audiences with a wide range of music from seasonal novelties to light classical, film music and of course major symphonic repertoire.

Whilst the WYO offers access to a wide range of musical experiences for the Centre’s more advanced musicians, the CWYM’s other ensembles remain equally important. They provide vital training for younger members (and possibly future members of the WYO) in both the preliminary and intermediate stages of their musical education.

There are two string orchestras, Wessex Starter Strings and Wessex Middle Strings, conducted by Jane Lee, and a wind band, Wessex Youth Fanfare, conducted by Kerry Hunter.

The range of activities is completed by Music Theory classes given by Beverley Williams, covering grades 1-5 of the Associated Board (ABRSM) Theory requirements.

It is the CWYM’s aim to provide young musicians from the surrounding area with not only regular, but vibrant and lively musical experiences, so it becomes more than learning…

…it becomes just great fun!