THIS IS THE NATIONAL YOUTH PERCUSSION ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN
NYPO Summer School
In its EIGHTH year - the specialist week for the UK's finest young percussionists returns to Cheltenham Ladies' College - August 2025.
A week of intensive coaching, led by some of the country's foremost players and teachers.
Dates:
Sunday 17th August to
Friday 22nd August 2025
Venue:
Cheltenham Ladies' College
Bayshill Rd.
Cheltenham
Gloucs. GL50 3EP
What to expect at NYPO
There are many excellent extended courses around the country for young orchestral musicians. In an orchestra, however, the percussionists often spend long periods of time "counting rests" whilst the other sections have all the fun. In the NYPO week there will be no strings, woodwind or brass to steal the show. You will spend the time living and breathing percussion with some of the best teachers and performers in the world.
You will be given structured days divided between tuned and untuned instruments. There will be a chance for masterclasses, and performances to your peers and families.
You will receive information that will make your brain want to burst with the complex rhythms and fill your wrists with frustration as you try to match the speed and dexterity of the experts.
Everything will be done with a smile and huge words of encouragement.
Beware! This is not for the faint hearted! You need to be an accomplished player; Grade 7 standard or higher (even if you don’t yet have the certificate).
Course Leaders
Owen Gunnell
Since graduating from the Royal College of Music with first-class honours, Owen Gunnell has enjoyed a hugely varied and successful career.
As a soloist his appearances have included work with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, London Sinfonietta, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Macedonian Symphony Orchestra and Sinfonia Viva.
Owen is one half of the celebrated percussion ensemble O Duo, which has released two critically acclaimed albums, performed in concert all over the world, and has broadcast on TV and radio in over 30 countries. As well as presenting 'regular' concerts, the duo are artistic directors/performers/presenters for Children's Classic Concerts in Scotland - through which they have delivered inspirational performances to over 25,000 children.
Owen is also an experienced teacher, giving masterclasses at the Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Morelia University (Mexico), and classes within various UK Music Festivals (including the Cheltenham and St. Magnus Festivals) and in Australia, the USA (Princeton University), Ireland, Zimbabwe and Italy.
Will Edwards & Kizzy Brooks
Will Edwards and Kizzy Brooks are internationally recognized percussionists, teachers, and composers with over 20 years of combined experience.
Both Royal College of Music graduates, they have captivated audiences with performances alongside renowned ensembles such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, showcasing their dynamic versatility on the stage.
Their distinguished teaching careers have taken them to esteemed institutions including the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where they have mentored the next generation of percussion talent.
In addition to their performance and teaching credentials, Will and Kizzy have made significant contributions as composers for various leading musical organizations, reflecting their deep commitment to the art of percussion and an eclectic approach to music education.
Registered charity number 1140444