Welcome to the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band
An Orchestral and Concert Band Course
for Scouts and Guides aged 12-25
The 2026 course will take place Sunday 26th July – Sunday 2nd August 2026
Cost: £635
Location: Stourbridge, West Midlands.
The Closing date for applications was 9am on Sunday 30th November 2025
We are now reopen for a few instruments; they can be found on the Instruments and Selection Criteria page.
Only apply if you can play one of these instruments to a minimum of grade 5. We are not open for other instruments.
We invite you to apply to be part of the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra, now in its 51st year, or the National Scout and Guide Concert Band (now in its 11th year). The 2026 residential course will again take place in Stourbridge at Old Swinford Hospital School. If you are a member of Scouts or Girlguiding, aged 12-25 by 31 August 2026 and above grade 4 on your first instrument then consider applying to join with Scouts and Guides from all over the UK.
Membership of both ensembles is up to 90 players. Both courses offer an intense week of rehearsals and workshops with a professional conductor and sectional tutors culminating in concerts at prestigious venues in the Birmingham area. Members are integrated for all social, accommodation and pastoral events. The NSGSO and NSGCB are hosted by Birmingham Scout County.
Applicants between the ages of 26-30 may be considered in the event that a section is undersubscribed.
What our members and supporters say:
“NSGSO provides a fabulous opportunity for Scouting and Guiding members to come together and share their love of music, whilst making new friends, challenging themselves and having heaps of fun in a safe environment. The staff team all work so hard to provide a fun week, culminating in outstanding performances to showcase the talents of the orchestra and ensembles.”
Sarah – Parent“I was totally enthralled by the music played during the concert. The talent of all the members involved was amazing and it was totally obvious that I was witnessing something quite unique. The commitment of everyone comes across in the performance, but also from the brief conversations I had everyone loves being part of the orchestra and the band. I know that many members have been taking the opportunity to take part for a number of years and whilst it is hard work they make many friends.”
Julie Bell-Deputy - Chief Guide“NSGCB is one of the best ways to combine both music and Guiding or Scouting. The music you play is always fun, even if it may seem difficult to start with. The tutors are incredible and the music sounds amazing at the end. The friendships you form are ones that will last for a very long time. The staff are the loveliest and most supportive people, helping with the smallest tasks to organise the whole course. It is definitely one of the best weeks I have been on.”
Lauren – Member, Percussion“I am impressed by the development of NSGSO and NSGCB, with the gradual increase in the numbers of young people benefiting from involvement and the increase in standards of performance over the years. The scheme also gives the youngsters involved a fantastic week of personal development, fun and friendship.”
Iain Waddell – GSL and SupporterNSGSO is the highlight of my summer every year! The sectionals and rehearsals challenge me to play to the best of my ability, as well as developing many musical skills. Whilst the week is intense, there’s still lots of opportunities to relax, whether that’s at the ceilidh, rock climbing, getting crafty or just chilling playing cards. It is a perfect mixture of music, activities and amazing friends. If you love music and you love guiding or scouting you’re guaranteed to have a fab week.
Claire – Member, Flute/Bassoon“Super individuals who really want to improve their orchestral playing. A high spot in my tutoring year!”
Jeremy Shoobridge – Woodwind Tutor