We are incredibly proud to become a National Youth Music Organisation (NYMO), as Arts Council England and the Department for Education today announce eight new NYMOs.
NCO exists to support children aged 8-14 to be happier and healthier through transformative orchestral experiences. We are dedicated to widening opportunities for children to take part in musical activities outside school, particularly at such a critical age in a child’s musical development as they transition to secondary school.
At the heart of NCO are the children we support and our integral focus on child voice, wellbeing and creativity, through our values – Ambition, Creativity, Happiness, Honesty and Respect.
Becoming a National Youth Music Organisation (NYMO) is a recognition of the impact that NCO has on children's musical and social development.
The announcement recognises our potential to collaborate and connect - with other NYMOs, Music Education Hubs, schools and other music education organisations, Arts Council of England and the Department for Education - to affect real change in the music education and wider music sectors.
National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain would like to thank Arts Council England and the Department for Education for inviting us to become a National Youth Music Organisation. NCO also want to send their thanks to each and every one of their supporters for their help in getting to this point.
"We are proud to be taking our place alongside other National Youth Music Organisations that exist, like us, to create outstanding musical experiences for children and young people from all backgrounds. We are looking forward to jointly celebrating the work we do, to improving access to our activities, to creating pathways between our organisations and beyond and to learning from each other, and from our colleagues at DfE and ACE." Sophie Lewis, Chief Executive, National Children's Orchestras of Great Britain
“The NCO activities have meant the world to me. As each activity passed, I immediately looked forward to the next one, both for the pure enjoyment of playing in an orchestra with such talented young musicians as well as seeing friends that live nationally. I have made a multitude of life-long friendships through my years with NCO and look forward to meeting my friends again in the future to reminisce about the wonderful memories made in NCO.” Jasmine Bor, Viola player in NCO 2018-2022
About National Youth Music Organisations
National Youth Music Organisations (NYMO) provide opportunities for thousands of young people across the country to take part in making, performing and enjoying music. They offer large-scale, inclusive performances, music programmes, residencies, summer schools and workshops, supporting them to excel as young creatives.
Established NYMOs include National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, National Youth Choir, The National Youth Jazz Collective, British Youth Music Theatre, Milap Festival Trust (SAMYO), Music for Youth and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
They will be joined by seven newcomers, including the National Children's Orchestras of Great Britain. New NYMOs include Open Up Music, Awards for Young Musicians, UD, Pagoda Arts, National Youth Folk Ensemble, Orchestras for All and Sound and Music.
"Music in all its forms has huge benefits for young people. By more than doubling the number of National Youth Music Organisations we are bringing opportunities to learn an instrument, compose, and make music to even more children across the country. The organisations joining the programme will provide thousands more young people with the chance to experience the joys music can create, and to learn skills that will stay with them throughout their lives, whether that means making music for fun or pursuing a career as a professional musician.” Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England
"High quality music education is an important part of children and young people’s lives, both in and out of school, which is why the Government published the National Plan for Music Education last year and the Model Music Curriculum in 2021. I want to see more young people across the country given the opportunity to make music, so I am delighted that we are expanding the number of National Youth Music Organisations from seven to fifteen. This is an important step towards the ambition set out in the National Plan, for all children and young people to have the opportunity to progress their musical interests and talents, including professionally.”
Nick Gibb, Minister of State for Schools
More on the National Youth Music Organisation announcement
For press enquiries, please contact Becky Cresswell
.png?command_1=resize&height_1=85)
.jpg?command_1=resize&height_1=85)
