National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and National Scout and Guide Concert Band.

The National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra (NSGSO) and the National Scout and Guide Concert Band (NSGCB) are made up of members of Scouting and Girlguiding aged between 12 and 25 who are proficient to grade 4 or above in at least one orchestral or concert band instrument. The NSGSO and NSGCB meet once a year in Stourbridge, culminating in concerts at prestigious venues in the Birmingham area.

Membership of both ensembles is around 90 players and members apply from all over the UK. Both courses offer an intense week of rehearsals and workshops with 2 professional conductors and 13 sectional tutors. Alongside this are Scouting and Girlguiding activities run by a team of 15 leaders. 

Additionally older and more experienced members may be invited to play in either the National Scout and Guide Big Band, Strings Ensemble, Wind Ensemble or Concert Orchestra at special event concerts around the country. These have included leading a Last Night of the Proms in Burton, a concert as part of the Coventry City of Culture year and performing at the Guards Chapel on Horse Guards Parade with the Army Music Corp.

Applications for the summer course go live between September and November every year. Tickets are available for the summer concerts from Easter time onwards.  All information is at https://nsgso-nsgcb.com/ or email [email protected] for general queries.