As part of our partnership with Young Sounds UK, Coventry Music will be hosting the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) during the February half term for a day of workshops
The workshops will be focused on positive role modelling for our young people. This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to work with a leading national organisation and to develop skills that will support their musical journey both now and in the future.
Who?
Coventry Music is the city’s Music Service, supporting children and young people to access high-quality music education in and out of school. We work closely with schools, local organisations and national partners to ensure music opportunities are inclusive, supportive and accessible to young people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Young Sounds UK are a national music charity who believes musical talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. For over 25 years, they’ve supported talented young people from low income families, helping them to overcome financial and social barriers. Whatever the genre or style, their programmes help young musicians from across the UK to fulfil their musical potential.
The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is the UK's leading orchestra for teenagers (ages 13-19), bringing together young musicians from across the country for world-class orchestral experiences, fostering peer inspiration, and making orchestral music accessible to broader audiences through performances and outreach programmes.
When?
The training will take place in two stages this term, details of the upcoming events are as follows:
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Welcome Webinar - Live Online via Zoom, Thursday 5th February at 17:00
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In Person Workshop – Monday 16th February, 10.30am – 4.30pm. Albany Theatre, Albany Road, Coventry, CV5 6JQ.
What?
Young Sounds UK and the National Youth Orchestra have partnered to develop a brand-new training model which is being delivered in Music Hubs over the next 3 years. The training is being delivered by Beth Higham-Edwards, a percussion tutor at Junior Trinity Laban and a facilitator who has worked with a wide range of organisations such as The Benedetti Foundation, BBC Symphony Orchestra and London Chamber Orchestra. She’ll be supported by NYO Alumni who will bring their lived experiences of these behaviours and approaches.
What makes this training unique is that young musicians will work side by side in partnership with music leaders from their area. They will work as peers, in a non-hierarchical way exploring 4 key behaviours that are displayed by positive role models in music making:
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Welcoming Community: Fostering inclusive, supportive environments where young people model positive behaviours.
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Challenge: Encouraging creative risk-taking, supporting each other with difficult repertoire, and sharing musical skills in authentic ways.
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Youth Voice: Empowering young people to lead, contribute to decision-making, and participate actively in shaping their musical experiences.
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Play Your Part: Extending role modelling beyond the immediate group by sharing skills, volunteering, and adopting a mindset of contribution in broader contexts.
The sessions will be a mix of large and small group work and involve both discussion and live music making. The activities are designed to explore the impact that relatable role models have on other young people’s behaviours, attitudes and aspirations. We want those attending to understand how they can play their part in creating a welcoming community for other musicians and sharing their music and skills to help them learn and develop.
Useful Information
Open to players Grade 4 and above aged 11+
Attendees will need to remember to bring a packed lunch for the day, and to also bring their instrument for practical activities.
Young people arriving by car can be dropped off and collected at the rear of the Albany Theatre. All other young people should be dropped off and picked up from the Albany Theatre foyer.