The National Youth Orchestra brings together brilliant young musicians for an incredible creative experience, inspiring audiences with fresh, powerful performances in many of the UK's major concert halls. Comprising 165 players, the orchestra holds three courses each year that culminate in end-of-course public concerts, the highlight being a Proms performance. Critics have noted the only difference between the NYO and a professional orchestra is pay.

2. "The National Youth Orchestra is so much more than just an orchestra. The NYO brings brilliant young musicians together for an incredible creative experience and inspires audiences with fresh powerful performances." (Simon Rattle) The NYO play in most of the major concert halls up and down the country, every one a packed house, and every now and then, they do an overseas tour.

3. Here are some pictures of their resident concert halls (and the ones I'll be playing in this year)... THE SAGE, GATESHEAD LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC HALL ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL BRIDGEWATER HALL, MANCHESTER

5. BRITAIN'S LARGEST ORCHESTRA (165 players!!!) - 3 fortnight courses every year, with three to four end-of-course public concerts, the highlight and finale of which is the NYO Prom- a favourite for all, so book now! - End of course concerts take place in world-reknowned, many-thousand seater concert halls, and performances are booked out months in advance. Many critics have said that; "the only thing that separates the NYO and a professional orchestra is that the professional orchestra gets paid".

6. Playing with the NYO is the experience of a lifetime, but, even if playing music is not for you, then please do come to the concerts, details of which are on the NYO website (nyo.org). It would be great to see some of you there. THANK YOU