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Boys playing percussion instruments

"An organisation that should be treasured nationwide"Peter Stark

photo of the strings section of the orchestra

"The NCO is brimming with talent"Sir Simon Rattle CBE

Photo of girls playing flutes

"Genuinely moving ★★★★"The Guardian

Grades list 2012

You don't have to have taken any grade exams to join the NCO. However, to give you an idea of whether you are playing at a suitable level, we do have a list of the grades which our current members have or are working towards. This is only a guide and varies from year to year.

Main Orchestra
Violins from grade 6 to 8
Violas from grade 6 to 8
Cellos from grade 7 to 8
Double basses from grade 6 to 8
Flutes from grade 7 to 8
Oboes from grade 7 to 8
Clarinets from grade 7 to 8
Bassoons from grade 5 to 8
French horns from grade 6 to 8
Trumpets from grade 7 to 8
Trombones from grade 6 to 7
Tubas grade 7
Percussion from grade 7 to 8
Harps from grade 7 to 8

Under 13 Orchestra
Violins from grade 6 to 8
Violas from grade 5 to 8
Cellos from grade 5 to 8
Double basses from grade 4 to 7
Flutes from grade 7 to 8
Oboes from grade 6 to 7
Clarinets from grade 6 to 8
Bassoons from grade 5 to 8
French horns from grade 6 to 7
Trumpets from grade 6 to 7
Trombones from grade 5 to 6
Tubas grade 6
Percussion from grade 6 to 7
Harps from grade 4 to 6 
 
Under 12 Orchestra
Violins from grade 5 to 8
Violas from grade 4 to 7
Cellos from grade 5 to 8
Double basses from grade 5 to 7
Flutes from grade 5 to 8
Oboes from grade 5 to 7
Clarinets grade 6
Bassoons from grade 3 to 5
French horns from grade 5 to 6
Trumpets from grade 5 to 7
Trombones from grade 4 to 6
Tubas grade 5
Percussion from grade 4 to 5
Harps from grade 4 to 7 
 
Under 11 Orchestra
Violins from grade 4 to 7
Violas from grade 3 to 5
Cellos from grade 4 to 6
Double basses from grade 2 to 5
Flutes from grade 4 to 7
Oboes from grade 3 to 6
Clarinets from grade 4 to 6
Bassoons from grade 3 to 5
French horns from grade 4 to 5
Trumpets from grade 4 to 6
Trombones from grade 4 to 5
Tubas grade 6
Percussion from grade 3 to 5
Harps from grade 3 to 6

Training Orchestra
Violins from grade 3 to 6
Violas from grade 2 to 4
Cellos from grade 2 to 5
Double basses from grade 2 to 4
 

News

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NCO’s Main Orchestra prepares for a performance fit for the Queen

In less than four weeks, the NCO’s Main Orchestra…

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Youth Music

The National Children's Orchestra is a registered charity no 803026. Company registered in England no 2471385.

Contact Us

01934 418855

National Children's Orchestra
of Great Britain

57 Buckingham Road
Weston-super-Mare
Somerset
BS24 9BG

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