The music ensembles at play in the country today are dominated by musicians from privileged backgrounds thereby excluding those from economically challenged backgrounds or public schools.

The National Youth Orchestra's (NYO) vision is to bring together musically gifted youth from around the country regardless of their socio-economic, ethnic or regional background to form the first national orchestra. The orchestra will encourage, nurture and showcase their talent and ultimately provide them with a career in music. It will also ultimately raise the standard of art music in the country. In time, our vision is to also develop provincial orchestras which will act as feeder for the national organisation.

The mission of the NYO is to nurture, develop and advance young talented musicians in a quality orchestral programme. By working with young musicians, the programme allows for the focus, nurturing and directing of their talents to bring forth the fruit of excellence in their maturity. The NYO programme will create a seamless connection between the artistic and the educational experience.

NYO plans to cover a broad spectrum of musical genres including western classical music and African compositions and styles. It will bring together young people from across the country and from the wider East and Central regions of the Continent. Young musicians will receive inspirational advanced ensemble training and performance opportunities. They will do this via a varied programme of residential courses, weekend workshops, concerts and outreach activities.

We are currently working on a pilot programme from which we will gain learnings on establishing Kenya's first National Youth Orchestra. We have successfully developed a curriculum and will be running a residential pilot week at the end of August 2010. Auditions are scheduled for Sunday 6th June, 2010 at the GoDown Arts Centre from 9.00 am - 6.00 pm.

1. The GoDown Arts Centre
2. The Office of the President - Ministry of Heritage via The Permanent Presidential Music Commission
3. The Kenya Conservatoire of Music