Welcome to the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band
An Orchestral and Concert Band Course
for Scouts and Guides aged 13-25
The 2026 NSGSO and NSGCB course has now finished. The 2027 course takes place in Stourbridge from 1-8 August.
Applications will open in mid-September. Watch here for information plus social media channels.
The closing date for applications will be 9am on Sunday 29th November 2026.
The course cost will also be advertised soon too.
We invite you to apply to be part of the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra, now in its 52nd year, or the National Scout and Guide Concert Band, now in its 12th year. The 2027 residential course will again take place in Stourbridge at Old Swinford Hospital School. If you are a member of Scouts or Girlguiding, aged 13-25 by 31 August 2027 and above grade 5 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.
Please note that the minimum age is now 13 and the minimum standard is grade 5 for both ensembles. This has been changed since this video was made. All other aspects of the course are still correct.
Applicants between the ages of 26-30 may be considered in the event that a section is undersubscribed.
What our members and supporters say:
“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 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“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“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