The 2019 NSGSO and NSGCB course has now finished. Applications for the 2020 course from 26 July - 2 August will open in September. Please keep watching this website for information
Course Dates: 26th July - 2nd August 2020
|
Welcome to NSGSO & NSGCB 2020! The National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and the National Scout and Guide Concert Band are hosted by Birmingham Scout County, with the 2020 residential course taking place for the 5th year running in Stourbridge at Old Swinford Hospital School.
The cost for 2020 will be £510 inclusive of all food and accommodation, transport during the course, tuition, music and social activities.
The NSGSO is now in its 45th year and its membership is around 80 players. The NSGCB was reformed in 2016 with 35 members. In 2017 it increased to 52 and in 2018 to 62. Both courses include a week of rehearsals and workshops with a professional conductor and sectional tutors, culminating in concerts at prestigious local venues. Both courses are integrated together for all social activities, accommodation and food. Each course will have the opportunity to watch the others in their concerts. There are around 10 Scout and Girlguiding Leaders who organise and manage the course during the year and will be with you all week.
|
A Short 90 Second Promotional Video
|
The course programme, selection criteria and instruments differ slightly for each group, but generally speaking you need to be working at grade 5 for the orchestra and grade 4 for the concert band on your first instrument. There are a few exceptions to this and you can find more information about this by clicking the instrument page below.
You can also find out more information about the separate courses by clicking on the course programmes section. Here you'll also find a behind the scenes look at the NSGSO and the types of things you'll get up to as an NSGSO/NSGCB member.
Every year we welcome old and new members, and members return year on year as they enjoy the course so much. Every year about a third of the members are new to the NSGSO/NSGCB, so please do apply and see if you’re successful – we'd love to receive your application. If you have any queries though please email info@nsgso.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Applications are not based on your previous attendance at the course, but on your musical ability. The closing date for application is midnight on Saturday 15th December. We are very strict about this cut off time and applicants who applied a day late last year did not make the final selection. Members are selected by the conductors during December and all members are notified of the outcome very early in the New Year. Application is via the written form, not by audition. Please do not assume that because you applied before you will automatically get a place a second year.
You can also find out more information about the separate courses by clicking on the course programmes section. Here you'll also find a behind the scenes look at the NSGSO and the types of things you'll get up to as an NSGSO/NSGCB member.
Every year we welcome old and new members, and members return year on year as they enjoy the course so much. Every year about a third of the members are new to the NSGSO/NSGCB, so please do apply and see if you’re successful – we'd love to receive your application. If you have any queries though please email info@nsgso.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Applications are not based on your previous attendance at the course, but on your musical ability. The closing date for application is midnight on Saturday 15th December. We are very strict about this cut off time and applicants who applied a day late last year did not make the final selection. Members are selected by the conductors during December and all members are notified of the outcome very early in the New Year. Application is via the written form, not by audition. Please do not assume that because you applied before you will automatically get a place a second year.
NSGSO 2020 General Information
The NSGSO/NSGCB course 2020 will be held in Stourbridge from Sunday 26th July - Sunday 2nd August 2020. Accommodation is at Old Swinford Hospital School; a boarding school in Stourbridge, and our concerts will be held in the Birmingham area. The following year the course will be held from Sunday 26th July - Sunday 2nd August 2020 - please add this to your diary now!
You will need to make your own travel arrangements; however for participants arriving by public transport we will provide local pick-ups from Birmingham Airport or Stourbridge train station. A small amount of money is available in grants, but we suggest that you use your local links too, which we can help you with. The course fees are staggered across the year for ease of payment.
You will need to make your own travel arrangements; however for participants arriving by public transport we will provide local pick-ups from Birmingham Airport or Stourbridge train station. A small amount of money is available in grants, but we suggest that you use your local links too, which we can help you with. The course fees are staggered across the year for ease of payment.
|
Information about the NSGSO and NSGCB selection criteria is stated below to support you in planning for your application. Please read this information carefully as you will not be eligible if you do not meet the criteria for the group for which you have applied.
Please note that although the NSGSO and NSGCB are both distinct ensembles they both work under the governance and organisation of the NSGSO, an operation that is managed locally by Birmingham Scouts but is given national status through an application process to Gilwell. If you have any questions about the NSGSO or NSGCB 2020 course please contact the NSGSO team on info@nsgso.com. 
|
|
Concert Band Membership
|
Symphony Orchestra Membership
|
Applicants who do not meet the age or musical requirements above, but have substantial musical experience will be considered by the Conductor and Orchestra Manager on a case by case basis. Applicants between the ages of 26-30 may be considered in the event that a section is undersubscribed.
If you meet these criteria click below to apply!
The NSGSO works under the governance of Birmingham Scouts. All information regarding this can be found at the following link: https://www.birminghamscouts.org.uk/data-privacy-notice/
Please contact info@nsgso.com or info@birminghamscouts.org.uk with any queries
Please contact info@nsgso.com or info@birminghamscouts.org.uk with any queries
|
Birmingham County Scouts Registered Charity Number 524566 |
|
