Please establish that you meet the criteria below before you make an application to us.

Ability

The instruments differ slightly for each ensemble; however applicants need to be of grade 5 standard on your first instrument to apply to either ensemble. You do not need to have necessarily taken the exams but you need to be this ability level; if not you will not keep up and will struggle during the course. There are occasionally a few exceptions to this.

Ages

You need to be between the ages of 13 – 25 by 31 August 2027. However if you are aged 26-30 and play an instrument in short supply then your application will be considered after the closing date.

The Scout Association and GirlGuiding

You must be a member of either The Scout Association or Girlguiding. We need your leader’s email and phone number when you apply. If you are a student and living in different parts of the country to where you are a member, your local group, unit or Network, or alternately still attend your previous group when you are at home during the holidays.

Course Attendance

Please note that the course starts at 2pm on Sunday 1st August. Members can arrive on site from 12.30pm to allow time to settle in. All new members start with an introductory session at 2pm, followed by ice-breaker activities for everyone at 2.30pm.

Please be aware that late arrival is only permitted in limited circumstances, but you must always be on site in time for the first rehearsal at 6pm. New members must not arrive any later than 2pm under any circumstances, so please be aware of this when you apply. If you are a returning member you need permission prior to offer if you need to be late. This are considered on a case by case basis. Please email Jill Bowman directly or email [email protected] before you apply if this is the case.

Selection

Applications are not based on your previous attendance at the course, but on your musical ability. The closing date for the first round of applications is Sunday 29th November 2026. We are very strict about this cut off date and applicants who have previously applied a day late have not necessarily made the final selection. Members are selected by the conductors during December and all members are notified of the outcome as soon after Christmas as we are able. Application is via the written form, not by audition. Please do not assume that because you applied before you will automatically get a place a second year.

Summary

A summary of the selection criteria is stated below. Please note that you will not be eligible if you do not meet the criteria for the group for which you have applied.

• Be a member of The Scout Association or Girlguiding
• Be aged 13-25 on 31^st August 2027
• Be of grade 5 standard on an orchestral or concert band instrument
• Be able to attend the whole course

If you have any questions about your instrument, grade or standard or about making an application to either ensemble contact the team at [email protected]  who will be able to answer your specific question