Sinfonietta.

Age: 7 – 9

Playing standard: grade standard of 2 – 5 (to be used as a guide)

NYSO Sinfonietta welcomes talented 7 – 9 year-old string players to its 3-day residencies at Easter and summer, providing a foundation for string ensemble playing with a focus on chamber music, general musicianship and the Kodaly and Dalcroze methods.

We acknowledge that many younger players do not do grades, but a solid basis in string playing will be an advantage and grades 2 – 5 or equivalent should be regarded purely as guidance for the levels of ability the Sinfonietta is looking for, rather than as strict requirements.

Residency dates 2024:

Spring: 9 – 11 April 2024: Stamford School, Oswald Elliott Hall, East Street, Stamford, PE9 1QF

Summer: 21 – 23 August 2024: Stamford School, Oswald Elliott Hall, East Street, Stamford, PE9 1QF

Applications for 2025 will be accepted from August 2024

(More information on 2025 Applications coming soon)

Find out more about the Sinfonietta team here.

An essential experience.

NYSO Sinfonietta residencies help create a foundation for string ensemble playing with a focus on chamber music, general musicianship and the Kodaly and Dalcroze methods.

“I really really enjoyed doing Dalcroze, and I loved the art outside. I loved the tune we were doing as well. I liked how we learnt the separate parts and it all fitted together in the end – we didn’t really know what was going to happen until it happened and that made it better, because I liked having things like foot rhythms and playing and it all flowed into the same thing. There was always something fun to do.” Peggy

Fees.

2024 – Spring residency – £395

2024 – Summer residency – £395

Audition Information & Requirements.

*Applications for NYSO’s 2025 orchestras will be accepted from 1st August 2024.*

Application form coming soon.

How to apply:

Applications to audition for NYSO’s 2025 orchestras can be submitted 1st August – 31st October 2024. Auditions are by video only, more information coming soon.

Upload your audition video/s to YouTube (public or unlisted) or Vimeo.
Complete and submit the application form (coming soon). Links to your audition video/s may be submitted either with your application form, or later via the video submission box (coming soon) by the applications deadline 31 October 2024
If you wish to apply for a Bursary, the Bursary application form must also be filled out and submitted by the same deadline 31 October 2024.

Audition requirements for Sinfonietta (2023-24):

*Audition requirements for Sinfonietta 2025 coming soon*

We recognise that some promising musicians in this age group may have only been playing for a short time. The audition process is designed to make sure that enough knowledge is in place for members to be able to access the residency fully. It is expected that members will be able to read music.

One piece of your own choice. You can play alone, with an accompanist, or in a duet with your teacher.
One major scale with its arpeggio, plus a minor scale (natural, melodic or harmonic) with its arpeggio. One octave is enough, but feel free to play two octaves if you know them. Please play one of these with slurred bowing.
Sing “Sarasponda”, Video example here

Video instructions:

Please state your first and last name clearly before playing anything. Before each piece and orchestral excerpt please state the title and composer, and identify which scale you will be playing before each one.
Set up the camera so we can see the musician from at least the waist up, and position the music stand so we can see the musician’s instrument as well. For those auditioning on larger instruments, such as cello and double bass, please try to capture as much of the musician as possible in the picture.
Check that the sound quality of the recording is satisfactory and without distortion before uploading.

Audition Fee:

None

Bursaries.

NYSO’s bursary scheme exists for students from families who would find it difficult to meet the costs involved in attending NYSO residencies.

More Info