Orchestral Days

Join us on Saturday 7th March 2026 for a free fun day of music-making for children new to NCO, in partnership with Wessex Schools Music.

This opportunity is for children from Dorset & Somerset or those living in close bordering towns.

Where: Thomas Hardye School, Queens Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2ET
When: 10am – 4pm (including a short sharing for parents at 3.30pm)
Who: Children aged 8-14 and playing at around Grade 2-5 standard on traditional orchestral instruments (including tenoroon, cornet, euphonium, treble reading brass players and drum kit). Please note: Following lots of interest we are no longer able to accept sign ups from trumpets and cornets for this Dorset Orchestral Day. If you play these instruments and would like to be added to a waiting list, please email your child’s name, age, instrument, approximate playing level and home postcode to info@nco.org.uk

The first part of the day will be spent learning and playing a specially arranged piece of music with our conductor, Veronica Urrego and our super team of tutors. Young musicians will also have a chance to create their own piece of music with composer, Richard Shrewsbury. The day will end with a short sharing for parents and carers.

To apply, please complete the form further down this page by Friday 5th December 2025.

Join us on Sunday 8th March 2026 for a free fun day of music-making for children new to NCO, in partnership with Devon Music Education Hub.

This opportunity is for children from Devon or those living in close bordering counties.

Where: Uffculme School, Chapel Hill, Uffculme, Cullumpton, EX15 3AG
When: 10am – 4pm (including a short sharing for parents at 3.30pm)
Who: Children aged 8-14 and playing at around Grade 2-5 standard on traditional orchestral instruments (including tenoroon, cornet, euphonium, treble reading brass players and drum kit).
Please note: Following lots of interest we have now reached capacity for this Devon & Cornwall Orchestral Day and are no longer able to accept sign ups. If you would like to be added to a waiting list, please email your child’s name, age, instrument, approximate playing level and home postcode to info@nco.org.uk

The first part of the day will be spent learning and playing a specially arranged piece of music with our conductor, Veronica Urrego and our super team of tutors. Young musicians will also have a chance to create their own piece of music with composer, Richard Shrewsbury. The day will end with a short sharing for parents and carers.

To apply, please complete the form further down this page by Friday 5th December 2025.

Join us on Saturday 14th March 2026 for a free fun day of music-making for children new to NCO, in partnership with Wiltshire Music Centre.

This opportunity is for children from Wiltshire, Gloucester and Swindon or those living in close bordering counties.

Where: Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ
When: 10am – 4pm (including a short sharing for parents at 3.30pm)
Who: Children aged 8-14 and playing at around Grade 2-5 standard on traditional orchestral instruments (including tenoroon, cornet, euphonium, treble reading brass players and drum kit) Following lots of interest we now only have spaces remaining for viola, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, french horn, euphonium/tuba for this Dorset Orchestral Day. To apply one one of these instruments, please complete the form further down this page by Friday 5th December 2025. If you play other orchestral instruments and would like to be added to a waiting list, please email your child’s name, age, instrument, approximate playing level and home postcode to info@nco.org.uk

The first part of the day will be spent learning and playing a specially arranged piece of music with our conductor, Veronica Urrego and our super team of tutors. Young musicians will also have a chance to create their own piece of music with composer, Richard Shrewsbury. The day will end with a short sharing for parents and carers.

Orchestral Day musicians will be joined by musicians from West of England Youth Orchestra. Young musicians attending this Orchestral Day will also be invited to join WEYO in their Easter Concert for a special performance – more details provided after sign-up

Join us on Sunday 15th March 2026 for a free fun day of music-making for children new to NCO, in partnership with West of England Music and Arts.

This opportunity is for children from B&NES, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire or those living in close bordering counties.

Where: Churchill School, Churchill Grn, Winscombe BS25 5QN
When: 10am – 4pm (including a short sharing for parents at 3.30pm)
Who: Children aged 8-14 and playing at around Grade 2-5 standard on traditional orchestral instruments and Clarion (including tenoroon, cornet, euphonium, treble reading brass players and drum kit). Please note: Following lots of interest we have now reached capacity for this Orchestral Day. We may be able to consider viola, oboe and bassoon applications so do still complete the form further down this page if you play these instruments (Deadline Fri 5th December). If you play other orchestral instruments and you would like to be added to a waiting list, please email your child’s name, age, instrument, approximate playing level and home postcode to info@nco.org.uk

The first part of the day will be spent learning and playing a specially arranged piece of music with our conductor, Veronica Urrego and our super team of tutors. Young musicians will also have a chance to create their own piece of music with composer, Richard Shrewsbury. The day will end with a short sharing for parents and carers.

Our ensemble piece for this Orchestral Day has been written to include children playing the Clarion. If your child plays this instrument and you would like to find out more about how they can get involved, please e-mail Tamsin Oldham Head of Engagement t.oldham@nco.org.uk