Sinfonietta.

Age: 7 – 9

Playing standard: grade standard of 2 – 5 (to be used as a guide)

The National Youth String Orchestra is delighted to announce the creation of an exciting new orchestra to join the NYSO family.

NYSO Sinfonietta will welcome talented 7 – 9 year-old string players to its first 3-day residencies at Easter and summer 2023, providing a foundation for string ensemble playing with a focus on chamber music, general musicianship and the Kodaly and Dalcroze methods.

We acknowledge that many younger players do not do grades, but a solid basis in string playing will be an advantage and grades 2 – 5 or equivalent should be regarded purely as guidance for the levels of ability the Sinfonietta is looking for, rather than as strict requirements.

Residency dates 2023:

Spring: 4-6 April 2023 – Stamford School, Oswald Elliott Hall, East Street, Stamford, PE9 1QF

Summer: 3-5 August 2023 – Stamford School, Oswald Elliott Hall, East Street, Stamford, PE9 1QF

Applications are open for 2024! Scroll down for more details.

Find out more about the Sinfonietta team here.

An essential experience.

NYSO Sinfonietta residencies help create a foundation for string ensemble playing with a focus on chamber music, general musicianship and the Kodaly and Dalcroze methods.

 

Fees. (Easter & Summer courses)

2023 – Easter course – £395

2023 – Summer course – £395

Audition Information & Requirements.

Applications are now open for 2024 orchestra membership!
Scroll down for the application form.

How to apply:

Applications to audition for membership of NYSO orchestras can be submitted at any time, although final decisions will be made after the October deadline. Auditions are by video only.

  1. Upload your video audition to YouTube (public or unlisted) or Vimeo.
  2. Complete and submit the application form (at the bottom of this page) including the links to your videos. It is also possible to submit the application form and then send the video links separately to audition@nyso.uk

Deadline for submission 31 October 2023

Audition requirements for Sinfonietta:

We recognise that some promising musicians in this age group may have only been playing for a short time.  The audition process is designed to make sure that enough knowledge is in place for members to be able to access the course fully.  It is expected that members will be able to read music.

  1. One piece of your own choice.  You can play alone, with an accompanist, or in a duet with your teacher.
  2. One major scale with its arpeggio, plus a minor scale (natural, melodic or harmonic) with its arpeggio.  One octave is enough, but feel free to play two octaves if you know them.  Please play one of these with slurred bowing.
  3. Sing “Sarasponda”,  Video example here
Video instructions:
  • Please state your first and last name clearly before playing anything. Before each piece and orchestral excerpt please state the title and composer, and identify which scale you will be playing before each one.
  • Set up the camera so we can see the musician from at least the waist up, and position the music stand so we can see the musician’s instrument as well. For those auditioning on larger instruments, such as cello and double bass, please try to capture as much of the musician as possible in the picture.
  • Check that the sound quality of the recording is satisfactory and without distortion before uploading.
Audition Fee:

None

Bursaries.

NYSO’s bursary scheme exists for students from families who would find it difficult to meet the costs involved in attending NYSO residencies.

More Info