Norfolk County Youth Orchestra
Norfolk's premier youth orchestra provides rehearsal and performance opportunities for musicians aged 4–18 of all levels from Grades 1 to 8+. Managed by Guildhall Young Artists Norwich.
About Norfolk County Youth Orchestra
Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (NCYO) brings together talented young musicians age 4–18, from across the county, for inspiring day and residential courses during the October and Easter holidays. Residential places include accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
As Norfolk's premier youth orchestra, we provide an exceptional environment for musical growth. Our courses offer students the unique opportunity to learn from and rehearse with professional musicians and tutors from Norfolk and Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. Together, our members work intensively toward high-profile, professional performances.
NCYO is managed by Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) Norwich, a performing arts centre based at Wymondham High Academy. GYA Norwich provides Saturday music and drama training for children and young people throughout term time and is part of Guildhall School of Music & Drama, ranked No. 3 in the world for Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Premier Training: As Norfolk's premier youth orchestra, our students are taught and mentored by professional musicians (actively performing in orchestras within Norfolk and beyond) and elite teachers from Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Groups for All Stages: We have three groups for young musicians aged 4–18 at various stages of their development.
Holiday Courses: Programs run over a period of four to five days during the October and Easter holidays, offering both day and residential options (accommodation and meals included).
Flexible Attendance: Most students attend all three courses throughout the year to get the best experience from the orchestra. However, we offer complete flexibility — you can attend a stand-alone course or choose the dates that best suit your family’s commitments.
Professional Performances: Every course offers the unique opportunity to rehearse alongside professional tutors and work directly toward a high-profile, professional concert.
We have three groups for young musicians aged 4–18 at various stages of their development. NCYO courses take place over a period of four to five days.
NCYO Rise (Grades 1-3)
Who it is for: Developing musicians playing any orchestral instrument at Grades 1–3.
The Experience: Students learn the foundational skills of orchestral playing in a fun and supportive environment.
Schedule: Rehearsals run from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm during NCYO course days.
Performance Opportunities: Members will perform with the NCYO, experiencing the excitement of playing in a large-scale, combined county youth orchestra.
NCYO Springboard (Grades 4–6)
Who is it for: Intermediate musicians playing any orchestral instrument at Grades 4–6
Schedule: Mornings will focus on sectional rehearsals and dedicated repertoire, while afternoons will involve rehearsing with the main orchestra to support them to move onto joining NCYO.
Performance Opportunities: Members will also perform with the NCYO, experiencing the excitement of playing in a large-scale, combined county youth orchestra.
Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (Grades 6+)
Who is it for: Advanced musicians playing any orchestral instrument at Grades 6+.
Schedule: Under the direction of Andrew Morley, a dynamic conductor and music educator, the program offers high-level ensemble experience, musical growth, and the development of leadership, teamwork, and confidence.
Performance Opportunities: Members will work towards a high-profile, professional concert conducted by Andrew Morley.
Our course in spring 2026 was made up of the following:
- 20 students were at grade 1–3
- 15 students were at grade 3–6
- 30 students were grade 6+
- 29 out of 65 students also attended Guildhall Young Artists Norwich
- Work with industry professionals
- Rehearse with like-minded peers
- Build confidence
- Develop performance skills
- Take part in public performances
- Form lifelong friendships through a shared love of music
- Experience the excitement of residential music-making
- Develop resilience, independence and leadership skills
- Create unforgettable musical memories
- Become part of Norfolk's vibrant community of young musicians
Established in 1959, the NCYO has been at the heart of the county's musical life for more than six decades. Across generations, thousands of young musicians have passed through its ranks, with former members going on to study at conservatoires and universities, build careers in the performing arts, and become music teachers and leaders in Norfolk's schools and communities. Today, many NCYO alumni remain closely connected to the orchestra, with some returning as tutors and supporters, and others watching their own children, and even grandchildren, follow in their footsteps.
Courses
NCYO takes place during the October and Easter holidays. Each course features high-level group coaching from professional musicians (actively performing in orchestras within Norfolk and beyond) and teachers from Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Each course ends with a public concert at a venue in Norfolk, conducted by Andrew Morley.
We are pleased to announce the details of the 2026 Autumn concert – please find all information below.
Monday 26 – Thursday 29 October 2026
Join us for the GYA Norwich/NCYO Autumn Course 2026, taking place from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 October at Eaton Vale Scout Centre.
Grades 1–3 | Any instrument
£250 GYA Norwich students | £278 non-GYA Norwich students
The Rise course is designed for younger and developing instrumentalists in Grades 1–3. Students will enjoy ensemble rehearsals, sectionals and a range of musical activities throughout the course.
Course hours: 10.00am–4.00pm
Activities: 9.30am–5.00pm
NCYO Rise – 3-Night Residential
Grades 1–3 | Any instrument | Year 6+
£575 GYA Norwich students | £625 non-GYA Norwich students
A residential opportunity for Grade 1–3 players in Year 6 and above, combining intensive ensemble playing with the experience of staying away with fellow young musicians.
NCYO Springboard – 3-Night Residential
Grades 4–6
£575 GYA Norwich students | £625 non-GYA Norwich students
Springboard is aimed at intermediate players in Grades 4–6, offering the opportunity to develop ensemble skills, musicianship and orchestral playing.
Advanced players | Approximately Grade 7+
£575 GYA Norwich students | £625 non-GYA Norwich students
Our main NCYO course is for more advanced instrumentalists, approximately Grade 7 and above. An audition may be required.
Non-Residential Options
Non-residential options are available for some courses. If you would like further information, please contact Lynne Wright at lynne.wright@gsmd.ac.uk.
Autumn Concert
The course will culminate in a special concert at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich, on:
Thursday 29 October 2026 at 7.00pm
Programme
- Danse Macabre – Saint-Saëns
- The Lord of the Rings Suite – Howard Shore
- Symphony No. 9 – Dvořák
- Symphonie Fantastique: March to the Scaffold – Berlioz
- Night on Bald Mountain – Mussorgsky
- O Fortuna – Orff
Conductor: Andrew Morley
The course will culminate in a special concert at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich, on:
Thursday 29 October 2026 at 7.00pm
Programme
- Danse Macabre – Saint-Saëns
- The Lord of the Rings Suite – Howard Shore
- Symphony No. 9 – Dvořák
- Symphonie Fantastique: March to the Scaffold – Berlioz
- Night on Bald Mountain – Mussorgsky
- O Fortuna – Orff
Conductor: Andrew Morley
NCYO Day Course
Monday 5 April – Thursday 8 April 2027
Further details to follow.
How to Apply
Applications will close on 12 October 2026.
If you are new to the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (NCYO) and do not currently attend, you will need to complete our online sign-up form. Please see our ensemble entry requirements below.
If you have previously attended NCYO or are currently a student at Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) Norwich, please apply directly by emailing gyanorwich@gsmd.ac.uk.
NCYO (Grades 6+)
- Application: You must demonstrate on your application form that you are performing at Grade 6 or above.
- Audition: You may be asked to attend a short in-person audition or submit a video recording to the orchestra manager or an NCYO tutor. This should be an unaccompanied piece or section of a piece (around 2 minutes long). You may also be asked to show some scales and discuss your orchestral experience.
NCYO Rise (Grades 1-3) and NCYO Springboard (Grades 4–6)
- Application: You must demonstrate on your application form that you are performing at the required grade level.
- Audition: No audition is required for either of these ensembles.
The orchestra is committed to ensuring that every talented young musician has the opportunity to take part, regardless of financial circumstances. Thanks to the generous support of Friends of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra, an independent charity, means-tested bursaries are available to help make participation accessible to all.
Bursaries are awarded on a means-tested basis, and any student of Year 3 and above living in a household with a residual income of less that £60,000 may apply. The residual household income is the total gross taxable income from the household, reducing that by the amount of Private Pension Plans, AVC’s, or other taxable allowances which is then further reduced by £2,355 for each child/student in the household who are financially dependent on the family.
To apply for a bursary for NCYO, simply fill out our application form and tick the relevant box in the finance and fees section.
1. What grades are required to join?
NCYO Rise: Grades 1–3, any instrument
NCYO Springboard: Grades 4–6
Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (NCYO): Advanced players (around Grade 7+); an audition may be required
2. Is there an option for NCYO Rise students to stay as residential?
NCYO Rise students in Year 6 and above may attend as residential students. The fee for this option is £625 (£575 for GYAN students). All other NCYO Rise students will attend as day students only.
3. What are the rehearsal times for NCYO Rise students?
NCYO Rise students rehearse from 10.00am–4.00pm, with activities from 9.30am–5.00pm Monday to Wednesday, at City of Norwich School. On Thursday (concert day), rehearsals take place at St Peter Mancroft.
4. What if my child hasn’t officially taken the grade required?
That’s absolutely fine. Placement is based on playing ability rather than exam certificates. Please indicate your child’s approximate level on the application form.
5. Does my child need to audition?
No formal audition is required for this course. We use the information provided on the application form to place students in the most suitable group. New students wishing to join the senior NCYO group may be asked to attend an informal audition before or at the start of the course.
6. How will I know which group my child is in?
Groups (NCYO, Springboard, or Rise) are confirmed before the course begins, based on playing level.
7. Can my child attend as a day student rather than residential?
Yes. A day rate is available for students who do not wish to attend as residential. Please contact lynne.wright@gsmd.ac.uk to enquire.
8. How many students share a dormitory at Eaton Vale?
Dormitories in Iceni House typically accommodate 6–10 students in bunk beds, grouped by age and gender.
9. What about food — are meals provided?
Yes. All meals are included and freshly prepared for students on the residential option. We cater for vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly diets. NCYO Rise day students may either bring a packed lunch or pay a small additional charge for a simple packed lunch.
10. My child is a fussy eater — what happens?
Please let us know in advance, with as much detail as possible, and we’ll do our utmost to accommodate preferences. Staff support students at mealtimes, and we stay in close contact with families if any concerns arise.
11. How do you handle allergies?
All dietary requirements are collected in advance, and the catering team follows strict procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
12. What if my child becomes upset or homesick?
Our experienced pastoral team is available 24/7 to support students. We’ll contact you if needed and work closely with you to reassure your child.
13. Can my child bring a mobile phone?
Yes, but phone use is limited. NCYO Rise students should keep phones in their bags at all times, except for Year 6+ residential students, who may use phones at the residential centre. Students may ask a tutor for permission to contact home if needed. While phones can be reassuring, we encourage students to focus on music-making, socialising, and enjoying the course.
14. How is travel arranged?
Coach transport is provided between rehearsal venues and Eaton Vale for all residential students and is fully supervised by staff.
15. Where will instruments be stored, and are they secure?
Large instruments will be stored either at City of Norwich School or at the residential centre. Small instruments and valuables remain the student’s responsibility at all times. At the concert venue, a locked and supervised room will be available during breaks.
16. Can students leave the centre during breaks?
Students must remain on site at all times, except on concert day when students with written parental permission may go into the city under agreed arrangements. Students aged 18 must also remain on site unless arrangements have been agreed in advance.
17. How do we pay the fees?
We aim to be as flexible as possible. Fees can be paid in full or in instalments, If you would like to arrange a payment plan, please let us know, the final payment would be due by 19 October 2026.
18. Are bursaries available?
Bursaries are awarded on a means-tested basis, and any student of Year 3 or above living in a household with a residual income* of less that £60,000 may apply.
*The residual household income is the total gross taxable income from the household, reducing that by the amount of Private Pension Plans, AVC’s, or other taxable allowances which is then further reduced by £2,355 for each child/student in the household who are financially dependent on the family.
19. What is your cancellation policy?
- A full refund is available if you cancel more than 14 days before the course begins.
- A 50% refund is available if you cancel less than 14 days but more than 7 days before the start of the course.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds with less than 7 days’ notice, unless there are exceptional circumstances and this is agreed at the discretion of the Head of Centre.
20. When is the closing date?
The closing date for applications is 12 October 2026.
The Friends of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra is an independent charity. It was set up to foster and develop musical skills and opportunities for all Norfolk County Youth Orchestra players – especially those in greatest need of support.
It has also been the main source of financial support for the orchestra since 2019, heavily subsidising costs and supporting individual students with a bursary scheme.
Run by a group of volunteer trustees, any funds raised go directly to helping young musicians who would otherwise be unable to continue their passion and progress within music.
The Friends are vital and without them the NCYO would not be viable which is why the trust continues to seek support and donations to continue its work.
Support can come in many ways. It may be a small, personal donation or a business partnership. We are also keen to engage with organisations who are passionate about music and children’s development and who might be interested in running their own Friends fund-raising event or linking their brand with us.
You can support the work of FNCYO today by making an online donation or find out more ways that you can help to make a difference by visiting fncyo.org.uk.
Join the Guildhall Young Artists Norwich mailing list
Keep up to date