New Irish Youth Orchestra 2025
21 - 23 February | Ganaway Activity Centre
New Irish Youth Orchestra is back for 2025- a unique weekend for young instrumental players in P7 to U6 to come together to develop their musicianship, make new friends and learn more about God.
· Around 70 young musicians
· Rehearsals and workshops
· Games, activities, and new friendships
· Bible teaching
· Concert at the end of the weekend
· Work alongside musicians from the New Irish Orchestra
Who can join?
You need to be
• currently in P7 to U6
• able to play a brass, woodwind, strings (including harp) or percussion instrument at Grade 5 standard or higher. It doesn’t matter what exams you have – the standard you play at is the important thing.
• willing to attend an audition with 2 of our team
• able to pass a simple sight-reading test
• willing to play songs for Christian worship.
Please note that we are focusing on orchestral instruments, so we can’t offer places to other instruments such as guitar or bagpipes.
How do I join?
New applicants need to audition on one of the following dates:
Tuesday 26th November, 6:30-8PM (Portadown)
Wednesday 27th November, 5:30-7PM (Glengormley)
Returning members do not need to reaudition- you will be contacted by email to sign up.
What happens at the auditions?
At your audition you will bring one prepared piece and do a short sight-reading exercise. Your piece should show off your comfortable level of playing ability – pick something you can play confidently and accurately. Please bring a piano accompaniment with you. We prefer pieces which are accompanied rather than studies, but if a study is your only option that’s fine.
After the auditions parents will be emailed and you will have a couple of days to confirm your place. Those who audition successfully will be offered places in the Youth Orchestra.
Cost?
The weekend will cost £210, and to confirm your booking after a successful audition we will ask for a deposit towards this. If this will be a problem, please email office@newirisharts.com. We have a small bursary fund to allow access to people who have particular financial difficulties, or we can arrange for payments in installments. Don’t let the cost put you off.
The price includes:
· Accommodation and food at the residential
· Participation in the orchestra concert at the end of the residential
· Youth Orchestra Polo Shirt
You can also choose to purchase a Youth Orchestra hoodie, for an additional £20.
New members – book your audition for your preferred location by following the links below:
Tuesday 26th November, Portadown, 6:30-8PM
Wednesday 27th November, Glengormley, 5:30-7PM
We will confirm the venues by email once you book in.
Returning members – you will be emailed on Monday 11th November with information on how to sign up.
