The aim of the Great Yarmouth Schools’ Music Association (GYSMA), a registered charity, is to enable all local schools to join together, and for pupils to share in the enjoyment and experience of live music-making. GYSMA, which started at Great Yarmouth Town Hall in 1948, is in its 76th year and is still committed to providing opportunities for the pupils of Great Yarmouth to experience playing, singing and performing live music together.

Our biggest event of each year is our Festival of Carols. Christmas 2024 saw the 72nd GYSMA Festival of Carols at the Drill Hall, Great Yarmouth, with plenty of space, great acoustics, good views of the children performing and specially price maintained tickets (at this difficult time for so many). There was a full house each night. Again many people were amazed and pleased by the venue and how the evening went. Congratulations to all involved. (See Gallery for photos). Plans are well underway for the 73rd Festival of Carols. Our AGM in September 25, will launch the music to the schools – don’t forget to get involved.

Sounds4Christmas (for Ks1) took place in the same week, also at the Drill Hall, again with a very full house. Feedback on the event was very positive, with parents easily able to see their children performing, great sound.

GYSMOKeys (Keyboard Orchestra) meets monthly, in ever larger numbers, at St Andrew’s Annexe, Gorleston. Their Christmas concert was a great success and showcased their wonderful talents. (See GYSMOKeys page for videos and photos). Their upcoming Summer Concert on Saturday 12th July at 5pm will also be an amazing event. All welcome.

Class in Action provides class instruments courtesy of GYSMA – please see individual heading within website for more details.

GYSMA has had several events in 2023, returning enthusiastically to inspire live musical performances by children in the Great Yarmouth area.

In Summer 25, we will be holding combined Infant/Ks2/3/4 ‘Summer Celebration’ concerts in the Minster with a surprise arrangement as the joint finale song. All of our concerts are enjoyed by large audiences.
See Events page for dates and information.

Our GYSMA Ks1 Singing Days 2024 were led brilliantly by composer Lin Marsh (linmarshmusic.co.uk) within many different schools. A fantastic time for lots of children from many schools over 2 days – a super achievement and great fun!