Norfolk County Youth Orchestra Rise – Spring 2026

NCYO Rise is designed for students playing at Grades 1–3 on their instrument, which should be demonstrated via the answers on their application form. No auditions are needed to join NCYO Rise.

NCYO Rise is a new group for students Grades 1–3 on any instrument.

Rehearsals take place during NCYO’s Spring Residential Course, from Monday 30 March to Thursday 2 April, 10am–3pm. Rise musicians will take part in a pre-concert performance on Thursday evening, as well as the main NCYO concert.

Parents can also opt for wraparound childcare, allowing drop-off from 9am and collection at 5pm, at a cost of £15 per day.

NCYO Rise students in Year 6 and above may also opt to join as residential students and stay with NCYO Springboard and Senior NCYO students at Eaton Vale for an additional fee.

Rehearsal Schedule for NCYO Rise 

Optional Add-ons

• Wraparound childcare (9am–5pm): +£15 per day
• Packed lunch provided: +£20

Please indicate on the application form if you would like to add any of these options.

1. Can NCYO Rise students attend as residential, or is this day-only?

Rise students in Year 6 and above may attend as residential students at a cost of £575.
All other Rise students will attend as day students.

2. How does wraparound care work for NCYO Rise students?

Parents can drop children off at 9am and collect them at 5pm.
Wraparound care is available for NCYO Rise students at a cost of £15 per day and can be selected on the application form.

3. What grades are required to join NCYO Rise?

Grades 1–3, on any instrument.

4. What if my child hasn’t officially taken the required grade?

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.

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. What about food — are meals provided?

NCYO Rise day students may either bring a packed lunch or pay a small additional charge for a simple packed lunch provided by the residential venue, Eaton Vale.
On concert day, parents may either provide a packed tea or collect their child and take them out for food in Norwich before the concert.

8. How do you handle allergies?

All dietary requirements are collected in advance, and our catering team follows strict procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

9. What if my child becomes upset or homesick?

Our experienced pastoral team is available to support students. We’ll contact you if needed and work closely with you to ensure your child feels safe and reassured.

10. Can my child bring a mobile phone?

Yes, but phone use is limited.
NCYO Rise day students should keep phones in their bags at all times. Students may ask a tutor for permission to contact home if needed. While we recognise phones can be reassuring, we encourage students to focus on music-making, socialising, and enjoying the course.

11. When is the closing date?

The closing date for applications is 21 February 2026.

NCYO bursaries are means tested and open to students who can demonstrate real financial need.

Bursaries are awarded on a means-tested basis, and any student living in a household with a residual income of less that £47,000 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.