Sinfonia is the natural progression for those students graduating from the Academy before they are ready to join the Philharmonic. In this way, players can progress through the organisation at their own speed and are offered promotion at an appropriate time in their own personal musical development.
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Members are typically of secondary school age (though talented younger children are not excluded), playing at approximately grade 5-7 standard. The orchestra provides an outstanding opportunity for these young musicians to play repertoire which is likely to be beyond the ability of their school or local ensembles; repertoire chosen with great care, so as to challenge but not overwhelm the players.

The course takes place on the Malvern College campus and is closely modelled on the hallmark NSSO format. At the start of the course, members work with specialist instrumental coaches to help meet the technical challenges of the music, before joining together in sectional rehearsals led by our Sinfonia Heads of Section. The ensuing full orchestral rehearsals are thus carefully prepared for and very positive experiences.

Music is at the heart of the NSSO Sinfonia experience, but there is also a really strong, inclusive activities programme organised by a very experienced pastoral staff. Much of that programme is shared with members of the other orchestras and takes full advantage of the leisure and sporting facilities of the College, which are second to none.