Date of 2025 Course

Saturday 2nd August – Sunday 10th August 2025

Opening Date for Applications

Applications for the 2025 course will open in September

Closing Date for Applications

9am on Sunday 1st December 2024 . (Please note that we are very strict about this time and date). However any instruments that we still have spaces available for will stay open until we have sufficient instruments. Applications received after the closing date will be considered in date order.

Notification of Applications

You will be informed during December 2024 if you have been successful or not with your application,

A deposit of £95 is required to secure your place if you are successful. 

Cost for 2025 Course

£695 This is inclusive of all food and accommodation, tuition, music, social activities and transport during the course.

Location

The course is based at Old Swinford Hospital Boarding School in Stourbridge. We can pick you up from Birmingham Airport or Stourbridge Junction Station

Concerts

Concerts will be held in Nottingham Albert Hall on 7th August 2025 and Birmingham Symphony Hall on 9th August 2025.

Family and friends are encouraged to attend all concerts.

Minimum Music Standards

Grade 5 for the Symphony Orchestra and grade 4 for the Concert Band (with very occasional differences – see instruments page) However sometimes after the closing date higher grades are stated by required instruments.

Ages

You must be between the ages of 12-25 by 31st August 2024 to apply. Applicants between the ages of 26-30 may be considered in the event that a section is undersubscribed.

Scout or Guide

You must be a member of the UK Scout Association or Girlguiding. If you are a student and suddenly find yourself living in different parts of the country to where you have been a member, there are a number of options available to you to stay involved. Speak to your current leader or alternatively you could join SSAGO, a new local group, unit or Network, or still attend your previous group when you are at home during the holidays. Please contact us to discuss if required.

Uniform and Clothing

You must provide your own smart uniform. You play in uniform for the concerts.

Scouts: Uniform shirt for your section navy trousers or skirt (not black)

Guides – formal uniform:

  • Leaders Over 18 – Pale blue uniform blouse with pink inner collar with navy trousers or skirt (not black)
  • Young Leaders and Inspire – Pale blue uniform blouse with grey inner collar with navy trousers or skirt (not black)
  • Rangers – Pale blue uniform blouse with aqua inner collar with navy trousers or skirt (not black)
  • Guides: Royal blue/red uniform polo shirt with navy trousers or skirt (not black)
  • Badge tabs can be worn if they don’t interfere with playing your instrument.

Everyone: Smart black shoes

You are provided with either an NSGSO (blue and white) necker or NSGCB (grape and white) necker and also a polo top if this is your first course. You will be asked your size after you have been accepted onto the course.

Questions

See the FAQ page, or for specific help email [email protected] and a leader will email or phone to discuss your query.

Date of 2026 Course

Still to be confirmed