Winchester Area Schools' Orchestras and Choirs

  Extra playing and singing opportunities for instrumentalists in schools and sixth form colleges in Winchester and the surrounding area.

Winchester Area Schools' Orchestras and Choirs (WASO) have a membership of nearly 500 friendly, enthusiastic and committed young musicians between the ages of 6 and 18.

Opportunities for all
Playing or singing together is a great social, as well as educational, activity. The variety of musical opportunties we offer range from a recorder ensemble through to larger wind ensembles and choirs and a full symphonic orchestra which have all performed in major venues both in the UK and in Europe

Our main orchestra starts every academic year with a residential weekend in the New Forest. Recently we have also held residential weekends for some of the other ensembles.

Travel
WASO also offers many opportunties to travel and we have undertaken tours to France (Paris and Lam), Germany (Leipzig and Giessen) as well as far away places such as the Czech Republic and Tallin in Estonia.

WASO is part of the Hampshire Music Service, which is responsible for maintaining over 70 area and county music ensembles across Hampshire. These groups enjoy a high profile and an envious reputation locally, nationally and internationally. The Music Service is part of Hampshire County Council, and provides instrumental and vocal teaching from 150 specialist music teachers to more than 10,000 Hampshire children.