I first heard about The National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra from my Grandma. A dedicated member of Girlguiding, she had seen a small article in the corner of the Girlguiding magazine about the orchestra and immediately thought that it would be something that I would enjoy – and she was definitely right! Little did I know that after that initial course in Berkshire, aged 12, I would still be spending a week of my summer with NSGSO 7 years later.
— Sophie Chua, Orchestra Leader
The National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra
Written by Sophie Chua, Orchestra Leader
How to apply
The application process for the orchestra is very straightforward - simply fill in an online form which contains questions about your musical ability and orchestral experience. A minimum of Grade 5 is required for any orchestral applicant, and Grade 4 for anyone applying for the National Scout and Guide Concert Band. The NSGCB was reformed in 2016 to allow for more opportunity for woodwind and brass players, and is for ages 12-25. The orchestra is for musicians of 13-25 years of age. Both groups are based at the same site but rehearse separately, coming together for two main concerts at the end of the week.
What to expect
A week at NSGSO is filled with rehearsals, laughter and fun. Rehearsals are split into two types: full orchestra and sectionals. In sectionals, we split up into our instrumental sections and work with a professional tutor. These sessions are invaluable to our musicianship, and also a time to get to know each other a little better and drink a lot of tea! The work done in these rehearsals is often evident when we join back together as a full orchestra. We are lucky enough to have professional conductors who work with the orchestra year on year, helping to get the most out of us so that we are able to do ourselves justice at the end of the week. Every year we amaze the audience - and ourselves - when they are reminded that we have only been playing together as an ensemble for six days! After a day of rehearsing, the evenings are spent doing Scouting and Guiding activities such as an indoor “campfire” and badge swap - the annual quiz and ceilidh are always eagerly anticipated. Despite a jam-packed programme full of rehearsing and activities, there is always time to catch up with friends, make new ones and even a cheeky trip to the pub!
I have been lucky enough to play in some prestigious venues with the NSGSO, from the new Birmingham Conservatoire to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and courses I have attended have taken me all over the country from County Durham to Leicester and Monmouth. Unfortunately in 2015, in the orchestra’s 40th year, Scouts made the decision to cut the central support for the orchestra – thereby cancelling the course and the future of the NSGSO. However, as true Scouts and Guides, we did not let this stop us. A petition was launched which attracted almost 1500 supporters, and our Orchestra Manager immediately went into conversation with Gilwell to decide our fate. After much persuasion, we are very grateful that Birmingham Scout County decided to take us on as a Locally Organised National Event (LONE), and so for the past few courses we have been based at Old Swinford Hospital School, Stourbridge with our concerts being held in Birmingham venues.
It has been a real privilege to lead the NSGSO for the past few years, to work with such inspiring tutors and conductors, and to play some incredible repertoire with some amazing musicians. I have made friends for life, and hope that I can keep making music with NSGSO for many years to come!
