NSSO 2023 April 1st-8th
After a thrilling relaunch of NSSO in July 2022, we’ll be running 3 orchestral courses in 2023 and a Big Band course from April 1st-8th at Malvern College in Worcestershire.
Our 2023 Courses
Our Academy Orchestra is for musicians (approx grade 3-5), the Sinfonia Orchestra (approx grades 5-7) and the Philharmonic Orchestra (grade 7- diploma+) upwards.
Our Big Band course is for students from grade 6- diploma + on the following instruments: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, kit, piano, double bass.
These grades are approximate and a guideline only. Don’t worry if you don’t take exams – we will accept people based on the letter from your teacher and your audition recording.
The four courses will run alongside each other, with children from all courses joining each other for sports and evening activities every day.
This year’s orchestral courses will be divided into three orchestras which are broadly distinguished by ability and age with some overlap where appropriate. We offer successful applicants a place in the orchestra where we feel they will be best equipped to take part effectively, successfully and happily.
Standards are indicated for general guidance only – you do not need to have taken a particular examination.
Auditions for NSSO 2023 are online.
The deadline for online submissions is December 1st.
If you have taken part in NSSO before, then you do not need to audition again. You will however be required to submit a short 5 min video of you performing in the last 6 months so that we can gauge your position within the ensembles. This can be a really informal video taken with a smart phone if you like, it does not need to be professional quality!
Who are we?
As NSSO reaches its 29th year we are proud to be hosted again at the spectacular Malvern College. Having been based in Malvern, Worcestershire since 2016, we have enjoyed inspirational music courses with a world class music faculty in a glorious setting on the slopes of the Malvern Hills.
We welcome music loving children on all orchestral instruments from grade 3 to diploma level for a week of orchestral music making tutored by our professional musicians, workshops with visiting surprise guests, fun and games on the College’s magnificent sports fields and facilities and a full programme of social activities throughout the week.
Our pastoral team work hard to make the children feel relaxed and cared-for whilst giving them an inspirational week they’ll never forget.
If your child has autism or any other difficulties, please do speak to us as we will always consider making adjustments to accommodate their needs where appropriate and possible.
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Shortlisted for Best Classical Music Education Initiative 2020
This Music and Drama Education Excellence award, sponsored by Classic FM, honours an educational project which has used classical music in an innovative way, shown musical excellence and has had a positive impact on a significant number of participants.