The National Youth Orchestra
One Saturday evening I happened to be at Royal College, Colombo the eclectic drew me towards Navarangahala and the sounds enchanting music of an orchestra - a professional sounding one. What surprised me most was that these were children. On further inquiry I was introduced to the Teacher-InCharge who directed me to the co-ordinator of the National Youth Orchestra who also happens to be the Assistant Director of Western Music at the Ministry of Education. Whilst engaging her in a friendly chat she mentioned that it was the National Youth Orchestra rehearsing for the 25th Anniversary celebrations this year and further said that “The belief that membership in an orchestra is a luxury of elite city-dwellers who, could privately avail themselves of the necessary equipment and training to enjoy this facility, is a thing of the past.”
Elaborating further she said “The National Youth Orchestra was established in 1992 under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and is the only state-sponsored project of its kind in the SAARC region. This venture that began under the guidance of Mrs. Maya Abeywickrama - former Deputy Director of Western Music and Consultant at the Ministry of Education, through a Japanese grant of Rs. 54 million with the objective of affording an opportunity for students, especially those from the rural areas, to appreciate orchestral music and an opportunity to perform in an orchestra alongside their urban counterparts who had greater access to these facilities.”
The continuous support extended by Ministers of Education and Ministry Secretaries for the past 25 years has enabled the National Youth Orchestra to develop and reach a major milestone in its history - celebrating its 25th anni- versary with a grand concert at the BMICH under the guidance of the current Minister of Education, Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasm, Ministry Secretary, Mr. Sunil Hettiarachchi and the Additional Secretary Dr. Madura Wehalla.
The National Youth Orchestra’s overall programme is open to everyone from 7 to 25 years and designed to nurture and expand the individual’s knowledge of music through rehearsals, performance and active participation involving the commitment on the part of the student through regular attendance at rehearsals and an understanding of collective playing. Beginners are enrolled without an audition and a dedicated group of eminent instructors offer free guidance and training in orchestral playing techniques. The National Youth Orchestra also makes arrangements to provide orchestral instruments on a lease agreement on the recommendation of their respective Heads of school, to talented students who are unable to secure instruments through private means.
“Playing in an orchestra develops and improves aesthetic values and performance skills to a high degree, strengthening self-confidence and self-motivation which the students carry with them long after leaving this environment and some of our former members have reached high levels of competency where they are able to perform professionally, whilst others play for the sheer joy of music or simply to improve their playing ability.” She said further.
Music-making is an individual process that differs from student to student although the concepts are the same for everyone, and yet music production is different for each student on an instrument or voice. Keeping this in mind, rehearsals are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere by conductors and trainers who bring a wealth of experience to the orchestra. Whilst the individual process is designed to nurture the creative instincts of students and to help develop strong, secure personalities, orchestral performance requires a unified expressiveness, an ability to convey a single emotion collectively and the understanding of one’s musical function within the complex orchestral framework. It is only when such qualities are apparent in a performance, that a composer’s musical ideas and feelings can be communicated without distortion to the listener. To qualify for full playing membership in the orchestra trainees are subject to an audition process as there are varied levels of competency amongst those undergoing training.
“Any great artiste would affirm that commitment and hard work are essential ingredients of an outstanding performance. So, we welcome all to be a part of this unique experience! The Western Music Unit will be happy to provide you any further information you may require. “