The Saffron Walden Orchestral Society also oversees the Saffron Walden Children’s Orchestra (SWCO).

Children’s Courses

Course Tutors

2027 Courses

Dates for our Easter and Summer 2027 courses will be published here early in the new year, along with the booking forms. To hear as soon as booking opens, email swco@saffronsymphony.org.

Saffron Walden Children’s Orchestra (SWCO) is a training orchestra for young musicians living in and around Uttlesford. 

We welcome all young orchestral instrumentalists who are playing to a standard of grade 1 to 5 and who want to have fun learning how to play in an orchestra.

Our courses help children to develop as musicians and to enjoy learning how to play with others in a large ensemble. We usually play some classical as well as light repertoire. Children also work together with section coaches, and then on the final day all join together to perform as an orchestra. Our gallery below has some recent images of the children’s orchestra.

All courses take place at Saffron Walden County High School.

If you have a question, please contact the SWCO administrator at swco@saffronsymphony.org. Or complete the form below and we’ll get back to you.

Enter a local competition to win a financial musical award

The Barker Bursary Competition
Click here to view our SWCO Safeguarding & Other Policies
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School band students playing musical instruments in a classroom
A group of young musicians practicing with violins and sheet music in a classroom or rehearsal space.
An orchestra rehearsal with musicians playing string instruments in a music hall.
Two children playing double basses in a music rehearsal room.
Children seated in a classroom, playing musical instruments, with music stands in front of them.
A group of musicians playing string instruments during a practice or rehearsal in a room.
Group of children and a conductor in a music classroom, practicing with string instruments like violins and cellos.
People practicing band or orchestra music in a rehearsal room with music stands and sheet music.
Children playing musical instruments in a classroom or rehearsal space.
Group of children playing French horns in an indoor music classroom.
Two young boys playing trumpet in a band.
A group of children playing flutes in a classroom or band practice room.

SWCO Course in action.