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Read, Watch & Listen

National Open Youth Orchestra: Join an Open Rehearsal

A group of young people play acoustic and accessible instruments as part of NOYO

Could the National Open Youth Orchestra be for you?

Help us shape the modern orchestra to be more inclusive and creative.

National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) is the world’s first disabled led national youth orchestra. NOYO supports 11-25 year-old disabled and non-disabled musicians to rehearse and perform together as members of a pioneering inclusive ensemble.

Ahead of applications opening 1-31 March 2023, everyone interested in applying is invited to watch a National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) Open Rehearsal.

Join us to watch an open rehearsal

Find out where NOYO rehearse, meet the Music Leaders and watch NOYO musicians in Bristol play – with a mix of acoustic, electronic and accessible instruments. Open Rehearsals are also running at other NOYO Centres across England and Wales in February and March 2023.

 

Open Rehearsal Dates

Saturday 11th February, 1.30 – 4.30pm (Zoom option also available)

Saturday 11th March, 1.30 – 4.30pm (Zoom option also available)

Location

Bristol NOYO Centre, Beacon Music Centre, Stanton Road, Bristol, BS10 5SJ

 

To attend, please complete the Open Rehearsals registration form by the Monday before the session.

 

Register for an Open Rehearsal

NOYO rehearses together on acoustic and accessible instruments behind a conductor
📸 Jon Furley

Auditions – apply from 1 March

After Open Rehearsals, we invite applications to audition for NOYO.

Applications for an audition will open 1 March 2023 on the NOYO website. Applications close on 31 March 2023.

 

Read more about applying for NOYO

 

Read the 2023-24 Applicant’s Information Pack for detailed information about what being in NOYO is all about, as well as the application and audition process. The word ‘audition’ can sound scary, but NOYO auditions are friendly and relaxed.

 

Download the Applicant’s Information Pack

 

This is the first orchestra I have ever fitted into. I normally feel like I don’t fit in but I do in NOYO “

NOYO Musician

More about the National Open Youth Orchestra

What is NOYO?

National Open Youth Orchestra is the world’s first disabled led national youth orchestra. NOYO supports 11-25 year-old disabled and non-disabled musicians to rehearse and perform together as members of a pioneering inclusive ensemble.

Members of NOYO play a range of acoustic, electric or accessible musical instruments, including the Clarion, which can be played with any movement of the body including the eyes.

Music is learned by ear, notation and improvisation in a supportive and friendly atmosphere, working towards high profile concerts and performing works by cutting-edge composers, commissioned for NOYO for a diverse range of musicians and instruments.

Why should I join NOYO?

The National Open Youth Orchestra brings many opportunities. It’s a progression route.

Playing with amazing musicians, feeling a sense of belonging, improvising and being creative with music, are some of the reasons young people enjoy being part of NOYO.

National Open Youth Orchestra musicians are supported to realise their musical potential through one-to-one lessons, rehearsals and concerts.

 

Find out more on the NOYO website

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