NYOS Engage

NYOS Engage is a project that brings together young musicans from across Scotland with their national youth orchestra to develop musicianship, meet new people, and grow the NYOS community.

Each NYOS Engage project works with a specific Local Authority, co-designing music projects that suits the needs and young people of that area, giving them a chance to learn and connect with NYOS. The project offers bespoke workshops, ensemble music-making and performance opportunities and has been designed to inspire young people to develop their musicianship and share in the experience and excitement of making music with their peers. It is hoped that the project will eliminate barriers and encourage a wider group of young musicians to access opportunities with NYOS.

NYOS Engage kicked off in the 2023/24 academic year when we worked with East Lothian Council's Instrumental Music Service. Over 150 young people connected with NYOS on this project, and through five sessions across the year the participants expanded their skills, met other young musicians from across the Authority, and learnt some brand new music. The project culminated in a full-sized symphony orchestra of young people performing at St Mary's Church in Haddington.

For many of these young people, this was the biggest ensemble they had ever performed in, for others this was their first time performing as an ensemble having only taken up music since the pandemic. It was so wonderful to be able to bring such an impactful music-making experience to these young people and welcome them into the NYOS community.

Jonathan Gawn, Team Manager at East Lothian Council Instrumental Music Service, said: “We are delighted to be running the first NYOS Engage residency in East Lothian in the 23/24 school session. A project like this can only happen through partnership with a national organisation like NYOS. It not only encourages and inspires our local young musicians, it ensures lasting links with NYOS and increases the awareness of national opportunities available within Scotland.” 

In 2024/25 NYOS Engage will be working in Dumfries and Galloway, North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire. Keep an eye on our socials to see how it goes!