Everyday life in the Tivoli Youth Guard
Responsible and Musically Proficient
The Tivoli Youth Guard not only performs in Tivoli but can also be experienced around Denmark and across the world.
Tivoli Gardens covers all expenses for lessons, instruments, sheet music, travel, and more. In return, Tivoli can rely on the guards for parades and concerts, ensuring there are no gaps in the ranks or in the music. As a Tivoli guard, you are employed by Tivoli.
When the guards retire at the age of 16 and leave the Tivoli Youth Guard, they do so as responsible and musically proficient young individuals with experiences and skills that can be applied in many other contexts.
A musical and personal journey
The typical Tivoli Youth Guard experience is a transformative journey of musical and personal growth, spanning the formative years from 8 to 16.
Upon acceptance, your first year is spent in the Fifes and Drums Corps Training School, where you’ll learn to play either the marching drum or the marching flute. You’ll have a weekly group rehearsal and are expected to practice daily at home. Additionally, you’ll receive instruction in marching and music theory, building a solid foundation in musical literacy.
After about a year, you’ll have developed skills that will delight visitors to Tivoli Gardens. You’ll then join the Fifes and Drums Corps, receive your uniform, and take part in playing music and marching in parades throughout the Gardens. You’ll remain a member of the Fifes and Drums Corps for the first 2-3 years.
When you’re ready for more challenges, you can apply to the Band’s Training School, where you’ll receive weekly private lessons on a wind instrument. You can remain a member of the Fifes and Drums Corps or the Colour Guard during this time. The majority of your work will be individual practice, as you’re expected to join the Tivoli Youth Guard Band within 1-2 years.
The Band plays authentic orchestral music – not simplified adaptations. As a member, you’ll need to pass annual music exams and will enjoy the opportunity to further your skills as a concertmaster, section leader, soloist, drum major, conductor, or take on other trusted roles.
Beyond the Fifes and Drums Corps and the Band, the Tivoli Youth Guard also features the Colour Guard. These members safeguard the flag, march with rifles and flags in parades, and dedicate themselves to regular drill practice. Joining the Colour Guard offers a unique opportunity to be part of the Tivoli Youth Guard without the musical commitment.
In practice, there are many paths through the Tivoli Youth Guard, and we tailor each child’s journey individually.
World-Class Instruction
The Tivoli Youth Guard is Denmark’s premier music school for wind and percussion players. This is largely thanks to our instructors, many of whom hold prominent positions in the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Phil, the Royal Life Guards Music Band, or the Royal Danish Orchestra.
Our students develop their skills rapidly and achieve a high level of proficiency. We also place great emphasis on camaraderie, well-being, and creating positive experiences that will become lifelong memories.
The Tivoli Youth Guard in everyday life and celebrations
Being a part of the Tivoli Youth Guard requires time and energy from both the members and their families. The high musical standard, responsibility, discipline, and impressive parades don’t happen by themselves.
During the more intensive periods, the guards spend up to 20 hours a week on parades, concerts, orchestra rehearsals, individual lessons, personal practice, and events outside of Tivoli Gardens. In addition to the 3-5 days a week spent at Tivoli, the guards must also attend their regular school.
Would you like to join the Tivoli Youth Guard?
Every year, we welcome new members from diverse backgrounds. All applicants must submit an application form and a short introduction video to be considered for the audition.
The Tivoli Youth Guard accepts members from the age of 7, and the retirement age is 16.
It is not a prerequisite to be able to play an instrument for the audition, but many applicants from the age of 9 are already able to play a wind instrument/percussion or have musical skills that qualify them for the audition.
For admission to the Tivoli Youth Guard’s Colour Guard, there is no requirement to be able to play an instrument.
