Sound of the summer

Listen up, young musicians: applications are now open for four short, non-auditioned residential courses on strings, wind, brass and percussion this summer

APPLICATIONS for the 2022 National Youth Orchestras of Scotland’s (NYOS) Training Ensembles courses are now open. The NYOS Training Ensembles are designed for younger players around the age of eight to 14 and comprise four, short, non-auditioned, summer courses for strings (including harp and pedal harp), wind and brass.

The courses focus on learning repertoire, listening skills, musicianship, audition preparation and having fun.

Chief Executive Officer, Kirsteen Davidson Kelly said: “We are delighted to be welcoming our musicians back for in-person courses this year.

“We are continually assessing the ongoing situation with Covid and monitoring guidance to ensure that we are providing a safe environment for all participants. We will provide an update on Covid guidance shortly before the courses.

“The well-being of our musicians, staff and audiences is our main priority so please do get in touch should you have any questions regarding this.”

Participating in an ensemble can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable musical experiences. Students learn to bring their individual accomplishments together to create something greater than themselves.

Playing in person improves listening skills and teaches balance, control and style while working towards that common goal of performing together.

This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to come together once again and make music, in person, with their peers.

The course fees are £250 and applications are now open until Tuesday, 22 February.

Courses take place between 27 July – August 4 2022 at Kilgraston School in Perthshire. The NYOS mission is to ensure its work is open to young people from all backgrounds and circumstances each year and that no young person misses out on its life-changing projects due to financial circumstances.

Thanks to external support bursaries are available for participants who find it difficult to meet the costs of membership fees. Each case is assessed individually, and all applications are treated in the strictest confidence.

The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland’s new courses focus on learning repertoire, listening skills, musicianship and audition preparation