National Children’s Orchestra Selection for BMS Sisters 07 December 2021

Year 7 student Catriona Piper has been offered a place in the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain (NCO) Under 12s Orchestra to play percussion. Her older sister Evelyn, in Year 9, has also been offered a place to play harp in the Main Orchestra for the third year in a row.

Catriona initially auditioned for the NCO Projects, a lower-level programme for those hopeful to be selected for the Orchestras in the future. However, the panel were so impressed with her audition video that they immediately offered her a place in the Under 12s Orchestra.

Evelyn has been a member of the NCO for the past three years, but all members are required to re-audition annually and competition is very strong, particularly for the Main Orchestra. As well as participating in the NCO Evelyn will also continue her membership of the National Youth Harp Orchestra of Great Britain and will study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music Junior Academy throughout the year.

During their time with NCO, the sisters will be studying with some of the best young musicians in the UK and will receive expert tuition from leading instrumental teachers and conductors. Both will take part in residential weeks with the Orchestras in both Easter and Summer holidays 2022 culminating in public performances.

Director of Music at BMS, Mary Perry, commented: “This is a wonderful achievement for both girls. Catriona and Evelyn are very committed musicians within the BMS Music Faculty and this is very well deserved. I look forward to hearing about their experiences taking part in their courses.”