Applications for both the NSGSO and NSGCB 2020 closed at midnight on 14 December. Instruments that are still open are stated on the instruments page.
If you've applied for next year's course you will hear whether you have been successful between Christmas and the New Year.
If you've applied for next year's course you will hear whether you have been successful between Christmas and the New Year.
Course Dates: 26th July - 2nd August 2020
Applications are welcome from any UK Scout or Guide aged 12-25 by 31st August 2020.
Closing date is midnight on Saturday 14th December 2019
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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 in Stourbridge at Old Swinford Hospital School.
The cost for 2020 will be £510 inclusive of all food and accommodation, tuition, music, social activities and transport during the course.
The NSGSO is now in its 45th year and its membership is around 80 players. The NSGCB was reformed in 2016 in its current format and now totals around 55-60 members. Both courses offer an intense week of rehearsals and workshops with a professional conductor and sectional tutors, culminating in concerts at prestigious local venues. There are 13 Scout and Girlguiding Leaders who organise and manage the course during the year. Email info@nsgso.com with queries for either ensemble.
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A brand new 2 minute Promotional Video
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The Course and Concerts
Over the week members work with our team of Scouts, Guides, professional musicians and conductors to ensure they develop their creative talents and have fun along the way. Both courses are integrated together for all social activities, accommodation and food. The courses conclude with concerts showcasing the talents of Scouting & Girlguiding in a prestigious concert venue. The NSGSO has two concerts on the Friday and Saturday evening. The NSGCB performs concerts in the community during the week and also at their main Saturday day time concert. They will also have the opportunity to take part in the two concerts with the NSGSO as guest artistes. Each course will have the opportunity to watch the others in their concerts.
Selection Criteria
The course programme, selection criteria and instruments differ slightly for each group, but generally speaking applicants need to be working at grade 5 for the NSGSO and grade 4 for the NSGCB on your first instrument. There are a few exceptions to this and there is more information about this by clicking the instrument page below. You need to be aged 12 for the Concert Band and 13 for the Orchestra by 31 August 2020. Maximum age is 25 although if you are aged 26-30 and play an instrument in short supply then your application will be considered after the closing date.
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 14th December 2019. We are very strict about this cut off date and applicants who have previously applied a day late have not necessarily made the final selection. Members are selected by the conductors during December and all members are notified of the outcome as soon after Christmas as we are able. Application is via the written form, not by audition. Please do not assume that because you applied before you will automatically get a place in subsequent years.
A summary of the selection criteria is stated below to support you in planning for your application. Please note that you will not be eligible if you do not meet the criteria for the group for which you have applied.
Membership
Every year we welcome old and new members, and members return year on year as they enjoy the course so much. 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.
Over the week members work with our team of Scouts, Guides, professional musicians and conductors to ensure they develop their creative talents and have fun along the way. Both courses are integrated together for all social activities, accommodation and food. The courses conclude with concerts showcasing the talents of Scouting & Girlguiding in a prestigious concert venue. The NSGSO has two concerts on the Friday and Saturday evening. The NSGCB performs concerts in the community during the week and also at their main Saturday day time concert. They will also have the opportunity to take part in the two concerts with the NSGSO as guest artistes. Each course will have the opportunity to watch the others in their concerts.
Selection Criteria
The course programme, selection criteria and instruments differ slightly for each group, but generally speaking applicants need to be working at grade 5 for the NSGSO and grade 4 for the NSGCB on your first instrument. There are a few exceptions to this and there is more information about this by clicking the instrument page below. You need to be aged 12 for the Concert Band and 13 for the Orchestra by 31 August 2020. Maximum age is 25 although if you are aged 26-30 and play an instrument in short supply then your application will be considered after the closing date.
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 14th December 2019. We are very strict about this cut off date and applicants who have previously applied a day late have not necessarily made the final selection. Members are selected by the conductors during December and all members are notified of the outcome as soon after Christmas as we are able. Application is via the written form, not by audition. Please do not assume that because you applied before you will automatically get a place in subsequent years.
A summary of the selection criteria is stated below to support you in planning for your application. Please note that you will not be eligible if you do not meet the criteria for the group for which you have applied.
Membership
Every year we welcome old and new members, and members return year on year as they enjoy the course so much. 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.
General Information
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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.
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 Junction Station. The course fees are staggered across the year for ease of payment. 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. 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. If you have any questions about the NSGSO or NSGCB 2020 course please contact the NSGSO team oninfo@nsgso.com. 
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Below is a typical day at NSGSO / NSGCB
A brand new 8 minute Behind The scenes Video
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NSGSO and NSGCB 2021
The course will be held from Sunday 1st August - Sunday 8th August 2021 - please add this to your diary now!
Concert Band Membership
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Symphony Orchestra Membership
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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
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Birmingham County Scouts Registered Charity Number 524566 |
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