THE NATIONAL YOUTH WIND ORCHESTRA IS NOT A BAND BUT AN ORCHESTRA IN WHICH THE  WHOLE RANGE OF CLARINETS TAKES THE PLACE OF THE STRING SECTIONS IN THE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. 

THE RESULT IS A WONDERFULLY SONOROUS SOUND WHICH BOTH PLAYERS AND AUDIENCES, CONDUCTORS AND COMPOSERS FIND THRILLING.  

 Glenn D.Price, Conductor, Canada

NYWO is remarkable organisation that offers an unparalleled musical experience.

As a conductor, it has been my privilege to work with this extraordinary ensemble whose success is the result of several key features.

One of these is the very high level of accomplishment of the performers which has allowed me to programme repertoire which I would normally consider to be accessible only to the most advanced university and professional ensembles, another is the format and the leadership provided by Director Kit Shepherd who ensures that the country is combed each year for the most outstanding young musicians at audition.

The alchemy of these elements results in something that is less easy to define but is nevertheless highly tangible - a spirit of enthusiasm, pride, dedication and sheer joy in making music to a professional standard.

For some the orchestra serves as an important aspect of their professional training, for others it is the chance to develop a part of themselves that can have an impact for a lifetime. In any case it is a very special opportunity that has played a major role in the personal growth of many professional and dedicated amateur musicians.

This is an achievement that should be source of great national pride.

I strongly encourage students to audition for a place in this very special group, for the public to attend their concerts and for sponsors to support this most worthwhile endeavour.

Matthew George, Conductor, America

The NYWO is a first rate organisation. The thought and care that goes into every detail is thorough and complete.

Most importantly, the level of music making is exeptional, where heart and soul meets wonderful technique, all of which is synergistic and leads to phenomenal musical perfomances.

The NYWO is something of which all of Great Britain can and should be proud.