The National Schools Symphony Orchestra, Young NSSO and

National Schools Jazz Orchestra

Application deadline for all 2013 courses has now been extended to 8th March 2013 – we are particularly looking for String players for both orchestras

The National Schools Symphony Orchestra is one of the finest youth orchestras in the United Kingdom.  With members aged 13 to 19, NSSO aims to bridge the difficult waters between our excellent county youth orchestras or leading school orchestras and the hallowed ranks of the National Youth Orchestra or, indeed, professional orchestras.

Hard work on the musical side is balanced with a full programme of social activities organised by an experienced and passionate pastoral team.  The more light-hearted aspects of the course combine with astonishing musical achievements to create an experience which leave many of  our young musicians with friends for life and with revitalised musical inspiration.

“Having conducted many youth orchestras throughout my career I found my time with NSSO truly wonderful.  The were kind and supportive and the logistics were superb throughout. However, working with the young musicians was extraordinary! I found all of them engaging, hardworking and supportive of me and each other. It was a humbling experience to present great pieces to these young musicians in such an amazing environment.  Having conducted Elgar all over the world it was very special to rehearse and perform The Gerontious Prelude and the Cello Concerto in the shadow of the Malvern Hills.  I don’t think any of us will forget it!” Jason Thornton, Conductor, 2011

The National Schools Jazz Orchestra builds upon the excellent work of county jazz orchestras and bands, and it provides a stepping stone to National Youth Jazz Orchestra or beyond.  The course, new this year, gives the chance for a Big Band of twenty-five young players to blend together as an ensemble, but also to have experience of the skills required within jazz bands, combos and smaller chamber groups.  Led by conductors Alex Tester and James Arben, and coached by a team of professional jazz perfomers and educators, students are encouraged to find their voice within a whole range of different styles and gig formats.

The Young National Schools Symphony Orchestra, which made its highly successful debut in 2011, is the new wing of this vibrant and fun organisation. Like NSSO, it aims to provide the opportunity to play real orchestral repertoire but for children up to the age of 13. Adopting a similar mixture of full orchestra, full sectional and individual instrumental sectional coaching, Young NSSO members have unrivaled support, gain confidence and enjoy the opportunities of playing together both on and off the concert platform.  Young NSSO lays the best possible foundations for the enjoyment of orchestral music and is a musical and social must for those who loves their music.

“I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and all the young NSSO staff for a wonderful week. Our daughter had a fantastic time, with superb expert musical teaching and wonderful pastoral care. I was so impressed at the standard achieved by the end of course concert after only a week’s rehearsal.” Young NSSO Parent, 2012