The National Youth Orchestra: ‘It’s about much more than playing music’

It’s the middle of October half term, but one high school in north London is anything but quiet; Skinners Academy in Finsbury Park is hosting more than a hundred teenage musicians for some next-level music-making. Classrooms are repurposed as rehearsal rooms, and snippets of Rodeo - by the American composer, Aaron Copland – can be heard floating through the corridors ahead of tonight’s one-off performance.

This is what the National Youth Orchestra calls NYO Unite; one of six activity days, held across the UK, to kick off its 2024 season. It’s a series of events that brings together more than 750 young musicians - some from the orchestra, some for a first look, and many more from its pathway programme, NYO Inspire.

NYO Inspire is completely free, and open to 13 to 18-year-olds who play an orchestral instrument. There are no auditions, and priority is given to teenagers who face a lack of opportunity in their music education, who attend a state school/are home-schooled, and those who come from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds. Some will go on to audition for the orchestra; 39% of this year’s intake are alumni of NYO Inspire. Others choose not to audition, but to stay with Inspire, where they’ll continue to work with experienced tutors, make new friends and learn new skills. It’s about unlocking potential, about being inspired and, in turn, inspiring others.

16-year-old Christina Fashade plays the violin and joined NYO Inspire after her mum heard about it. ‘She put me on to it, saying you wouldn’t need to audition, just try and see if you like it. And I really did. This is my second year!’

Christina smiles with pride as she describes last year’s highlight – a tour of secondary schools in Newcastle, leading music workshops and bringing orchestral music to life. ‘It was really fun teaching the kids and feeling like maybe I’m a role model. Maybe I’m inspiring them to take up orchestral music or an instrument. And I made friends that will definitely last a lifetime!’

For the young musicians who choose to apply for a spot in the orchestra itself, the selection process is not what you might expect. The days of waiting anxiously, side-eyeing the competition, with just one chance to impress a panel of sombre judges, are gone.

Instead, they’re invited to an assessment day, where they play together, work with tutors and take part in group discussions about what music means to them. Yes, they’ll audition as part of that, but NYO Programmes Director, Craig West, says it’s not the scary environment it might once have been. “It’s inclusive, enjoyable and I’ve had so much feedback from young people who didn’t get into the orchestra who say that day was incredible, that they learned so much.”

During the most recent assessment day, in September, Craig says he stepped into the hallway to see three viola players who’d never met – each of them encouraging the others, geeing each other up, wishing each other luck. ‘It was like nothing I’ve ever seen in youth music; it was so great to witness. We say to them it’s not about testing you it’s about celebrating you. And that’s what we mean. We’re true to that.’

As tonight’s performance draws near, full rehearsals are taking place in the school gym. So many young musicians are taking part that, in addition to the orchestra, there’ll be separate string and wind ensembles in action too. It’s a chance for the entire NYO community to play and learn together, with more experienced players peppered around the sections - not to root out wrong notes, but to make sure no one gets left behind. Craig West says it’s this sort of mentoring and learning that underpins everything NYO does: ‘The performances are amazing, don’t get me wrong, but it’s about much more than playing music – we’re trying to grow them as young people.’

It’s a message that comes through loud and clear from the young people themselves, that it’s not all about musical perfection – it’s about development. ‘We don’t mind about the notes. We just want people to improve in confidence.’ says Tara Spencer, the 17-year-old violinist who’s leading the orchestra on this occasion. ‘I know that during Covid, so many people kind of lost that, so coming back together and actually playing together is the best way to feel uplifted and to feel confident in your playing. That’s what we aim to do.’

The National Youth Orchestra exists to unlock the potential of the UK’s young musicians, through the power of orchestral music. Tickets to NYO concerts are free for teenagers. 

Learn more about NYO’s Free for Teens>

The National Youth Orchestra is one of fifteen National Youth Music Organisations co-funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Education. These organisations provide opportunities for thousands of young people across the country to take part in making and enjoying music.

Find out more about our National Youth Music Organisations >