The North Powys Youth Orchestra is an organisation that has been running for 45 years. Young and old, experienced and novices, all play side by side.
I am what you may call a fossil of the orchestra, as I have been a member for almost eight years now. Every Friday after school a bus arrives to pick members of the orchestra up and whisk them off to Welshpool High School, where we participate in the rehearsals leading up to one of the orchestra's many diverse and delightful concerts.
Many people who have dipped into the musical world may have realised that some instruments of the orchestra are the butt of many a joke. Being a viola player I know all too well what it feels like to be the butt of a joke, but its just harmless fun.
How do you keep your violin from getting stolen?
Put it in a viola case!
Twice a year 
orchestra members go on a three-day residential course, which is designed to give them extra tuition on their instruments from a professional musician. It also develops people's social skills, and a lot of fun can be had on these courses as team games provide many a laugh, sometimes at one's expense.
This year one of the residential courses is being replaced with a tour of Belgium. The orchestra will be playing a number of concerts whilst on tour, with a mix of modern and classical music to satisfy the audience's tastes. However it won't be all work and no play as site seeing and chocolate tasting are also on the agenda.
Past members have been extremely successful with their careers in music; many have gone on to play with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras.
When current members were asked to describe the orchestra in no more than three words, they came up with terms such as:
"Delightful, entertaining, friendly."
"Fun, exciting and a laugh".
"Challenging, rewarding, and a privilege"
One of the teachers, a former member of the orchestra, who now tutors orchestra pupils made this comment: "It is a privilege to work with children who wish to develop their musical skills."
During my time so far in the orchestra, I have seen many leaders come and go and played under two conductors. The current leader of the orchestra is Jonathon Davies and our conductor is the lively Aiden Hussan.
The orchestra has a dress code for concerts, this being black bottoms and white tops plus a black bow tie for the boys. This dress code is abandoned, however. during the Cheese and Wine concert where everybody wears smart but casual clothing and the instruments get a makeover with tinsel. As you can guess, this takes place near Christmas time.
The best experience for me so far has to be playing with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
I thoroughly enjoy being a member of the orchestra and fully appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes by the Friends of the Orchestra.
Written by Lauren Parrotte from Newtown High School.
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Aislinn
NYPO rocks you cant beat it!!!!!
Fri Apr 27 14:41:29 2007
Sian, Newtown
I played with NPYO for about 6 years and while I was there we had a great time and learnt a lot about music. However, we didn't get the kind of treatment the members are now, going over to Belgium? Completely unheard of when I was there!! Good luck to you all anyway, I hope it's still sounding as good as it used to.
Mon Feb 26 12:33:39 2007
Michael Hemming
Hi, i am interested in joining an orchestra / qurtet / band etc. i play classical guitar but know that an orchestra doesnt include a guitar. Is there anything i can join to play the guitar.
Tue Dec 12 17:31:50 2006
Llion, Dinam
We're top class!
Thu Oct 26 15:34:37 2006
James
Look it's me, playing the cello. I wholeheartedly agree, it is a joy to play in the orchestra amongst so many talented musicans!
Tue Jun 20 14:00:23 2006
Rhiannon, Newtown
I had a fantastic time while I was there at NPYO, and I just hope that the enthusiasm that we all have as musicians carries on for generations and hopefully have another 45y ears of fantastic musical entertainment with NPYO. Keep up the hard work.
Mon May 15 09:03:41 2006
Em and Pam
Yeah, I agree with Mel, NPYO is the best orchestra ever!
Fri Apr 28 15:37:34 2006
Mel from Llanfyllin
wow. cwl piccies and fab article. da orchestra is really gud! anyone hu plays an instrument shud cum cos its really gud and u learn a lot and mk new m8s. CUM TO NPYO!!! support our orchestra cos its da best!!! woooooooo.
Tue Mar 21 16:43:03 2006
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