What I like about NOYO: I’m enjoying the non-traditional arrangements of iconic music – I never thought I’d hear saxophone in Vivaldi, but NOYO makes it work. I’m also enjoying the more intuitive approach to music; having been playing from pre-written sheet music for so long, it’s been really fun to improvise.

More about me: I love to sing and compose music, and have just finished a rhapsody for string orchestra. I’m also working on pieces for choral groups, but am hoping to write something for the National Open Youth Orchestra at some point!

What I like about NOYO: I love how much of a creative environment it is and how I get to meet so many like-minded people who all love music.

More about me: Music is and will always be a huge part of my life, I am in a wide variety of different musical groups and I love how diverse music can be. As well as flute and bassoon I also play recorder, piano, saxophone and I sing.

What I like about NOYO: I like making friends, playing different varieties of music and learning new skills.

More about me: I like to construct Lego. I have a puppy called Daisy and I like life!

NOYO Ensemble: London

What I like about NOYO: Rehearsals are very enjoyable because Siobhan and Ellen are so kind and supportive. As well as enjoying playing in an orchestra, I have started to make some new friends and I am looking forward to the socials.

More about me: I absolutely love drumming and listening to all sorts of music. I also like farming and have lots of pets. I love animals, going to the gym, swimming as well as baking are my other hobbies and my favourite TV programme has to be Doc Martin!

NOYO Ensemble: Bristol

What I like about NOYO: It has given me lots of experience of playing with other people rather than playing on my own. I like this because I like being sociable and it’s marvellous. The timing is the challenging part, but I’m really excited about the music in general.

More about me: I work as an assistant gardener at a big private estate in the New Forest two days a week and for Minstead Trust for one day a week. I play for Hampshire Disability Cricket. I enjoy going for big bike rides on the South Downs Way.

Member of the NOYO social media team

What I like about NOYO: I love being in the orchestra and playing with lots of talented musicians who play different instruments. It’s a very happy and supportive environment.

More about me: I really enjoy playing Clarion and being part of the orchestra. I also like sailing and looking after my little dog Elsie.

NOYO Ensemble: Bournemouth

What I like about NOYO: Playing works commissioned for us and playing music with friends.

More about me: I’ve been playing harp since I was 9 years old. My dream jobs would be playing in an orchestra pit and recording music in studios. My favourite composer is Prokofiev.

NOYO Ensemble: Birmingham

Member of the NOYO Social Media Team

What I like about NOYO: It seems like a friendly place. I like the people here. It’s nice how the staff work hard to cater to everyone’s needs.

More about me:  I play a lot of video games, and I love a good game soundtrack. They’re good background noise to help me focus while I work. I love performing big dramatic songs that can really get me pumped.

NOYO Ensemble:  Bristol

What I like about NOYO: Playing together as a group inspires me!

More about me: I enjoy watching Pointless and love the following songs: ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Walking in the air’, ‘Stand by Me’, ‘Baby I love you’. I enjoy listening to musicals such as ‘Oliver’.

NOYO Ensemble: Bristol

What I like about NOYO: Everyone is really friendly, and the rehearsals are super calm and productive!

More about me: I really like sailing, and playing my musical instruments with friends! My favourite type of music on the violin is folk music or anything fast, but on the horn my favourite piece is Reverie by Glazunov.

What I like about being in NOYO: I enjoy playing a variety of music, I like the location, and the tutors and staff are really kind and knowledgeable.

More about me: I am 14 years old and in year 10 at secondary school, studying Music, IT and History (along with the usual subjects). I enjoy playing in a variety of music groups and ensembles. I struggle in school sometimes and find music is my way to escape.

NOYO Ensemble: Cardiff

Member of the NOYO Social Media Team

What I like about NOYO: I like the people and the Jaffa Cakes best!

More about me: I like to row and hug my cat.

What I like about NOYO: I love meeting new people and experimenting with the music we create.

More about me:  I love discovering new music of all genres. A lot of my free time is spent searching through Spotify for my next music obsession – although nothing will ever beat my all-time favourite band, Radiohead!

NOYO Ensemble: Cardiff

What I like about NOYO: I like the environment, it’s very chill and there’s not a lot of pressure. I like playing games.

More about me: I like to read historical fantasy. I have two pet cats and I listen to Patrick Stump.

Member of the NOYO social media team

What I like about NOYO: I love playing music with others, especially in an environment where everyone is accepted and valued for who they are.

More about me: I enjoy baking, participating in drama productions, walking and anything to do with being in nature.

NOYO Ensemble: Bristol

What I like about NOYO: I like how dedicated the music leaders are towards making sure everyone’s needs are accommodated to, as well as the chance to work with such talented musicians and learning about the different instruments our orchestra is made up of.

More about me: I am a filmmaker and dancer, which has allowed me to explore my love for music in a variety of art mediums. If I had to pick a favourite composer, I’d definitely go with Ludwig Göransson – especially his work on Oppenheimer and Black Panther.

What I like about NOYO: I like the infectious energy and enthusiasm that the other members of the group bring.

More about me: I enjoy reading, music and spending time outdoors.

NOYO Ensemble: Bristol

What I like about NOYO: I like the people there. I like playing with the orchestra.

More about me: I like jazz music, 60s music, rock and roll and 80s music. My favourite film is ‘Mary Poppins Returns’. I like hiking a lot.

NOYO Ensemble: London