NOYO, the pioneering inclusive orchestra where talented 11–25-year-old disabled and non-disabled musicians rehearse and perform together, is having two open rehearsals on Saturday February 10th and Saturday March 2nd at 12.30pm- 2.30pm at its Cardiff Centre in the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Â
 Who is the Open Rehearsal for?Â
Do you know or work with a talented young musician aged 11-25 who might find being in a conventional youth orchestra challenging? Or do you know a young person who longs to play an instrument but is put off by the lack of opportunities they might face in the future? If so, why not encourage them to come along to the NOYO Cardiff Open Rehearsal and see what an inclusive orchestra rehearsal looks and sounds like? There will also be an opportunity to meet the Music Leaders and NOYO Cardiff’s 2023 cohort to ask questions. Â
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What instruments do NOYO use?Â
NOYO is for many more instruments than you might see in a conventional orchestra, our only requirement is that the instrument has to be expressive, and the player can develop on it - with practice of course! Across the UK, NOYO members play conventional orchestral instruments mixed with electric guitars, keyboards and accordions. We also use accessible instruments such as the Clarion, LinnStrument and Seaboard RISE. For example, the Clarion is a brilliant instrument which can be played by tracking the movement of any part of the player’s body - including the eyes or a head pointer. We hope to have some of these available for demonstration at our Open Rehearsals, but for more information on the Clarion in the meantime, please visit: https://www.openupmusic.org/clarion Â
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What is unique about NOYO?Â
All of NOYO's music is written or arranged with the specific members and instruments in mind. An ability to read music is not necessarily an obstacle - some of our members learn 'by ear' or use a pictorial score or other method. Our emphasis is on creating music in a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment. We expect everyone to progress together but also to have fun!Â
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What could come from the Open Rehearsal?Â
We are holding auditions for new members in May 2024 (applications opening in February 2024) and attending our Open Rehearsal might inspire a young person to apply to join our Ensemble next year. It might also inspire a young person to 'go for it' and take up an instrument with a view to joining in the future - if that is the case, we can help you get started!Â
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Know someone who might be interested?Â
If you are currently working with any young people who might be interested in coming along to either Open Rehearsal date, please share with them the Open Rehearsal Information Pack attached to this email, where they can register their interest and attendance.Â
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If you know a young person who is keen to audition, but cannot make it to either open rehearsal date, we recommend reading our Applicant Information Pack (https://noyo.org.uk/apply/) and signing up to our newsletter (https://noyo.org.uk/signup/) where they will be notified when we are open to audition applications. Please note that NOYO Cardiff Ensemble members are required to attend ten rehearsals per year, and we are looking to hear from young people who can commit to attending each rehearsal. Â