Nova Youth Orchestra
The Nova Youth Orchestra (NYO) is a community based string orchestra that provides young musicians with an opportunity to further their musical skills, perform and make new friends. We are a string orchestra (consisting of violins, violas, cellos and double basses) created for those who enjoy the unique, rich sound that string instruments produce. This makes our orchestra quite special, as most community-based orchestras are symphonic, catering for all the instrumental families.
Our members range in age from around eleven to eighteen years and come from many different parts of Sydney. Rehearsals are held at the Sydney Grammar St Ives Preparatory School on Saturdays during school terms, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, under the direction of musical directors Martin Smith and Alasdair Vickers. Tutors take tutorials on a regular basis while the orchestra learns new repertoire. And the members all enjoy lovely afternoon tea provided by our supportive parents!
Our repertoire draws from many areas of string music, including classical and contemporary, as well as the occasional excursion into film music. Well known guest performers are invited to perform as soloists, giving the members wonderful opportunity to work with professional players and learn from their knowledge and experience.
Concerts are an important part of our orchestra's life. The Annual Concert in June and the Christmas Concert in December are the two main yearly performances. However there are also regular community performances as well as performance tours. Every second year there is an international tour, and every other year there is usually a regional tour. Places visited by the orchestra include the Australian Outback, as well as New Zealand, Singapore, the USA and China. A tour to Europe will take place in April 2009, with performances in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Those interested in joining the Nova Youth Orchestra should be playing at an AMEB Grade Four level or higher. This is roughly equivalent to Suzuki Volume Four. The "audition process" is to simply turn up, join in and, if you enjoy yourself, stay. All are welcome!
Join Nova Youth Orchestra
Simply complete and return our membership application form and you will be contacted with further details.
:.: download brochure & membership application
Rehearsal time
Saturday 1:30pm - 3:30 pm during school terms
Rehearsal venue
Sydney Grammer School
St Ives Preparatory School
Ayers Road, St Ives
Copyright © 2011 Nova Youth Orchestra Association Inc. All rights reserved