2024 Mentor Scheme

30th October - 3rd November 2024

Applications for the 2024 Mentor Scheme, in association with the English Schools’ Orchestra, are now open.

The highlight of our musical year is the annual Orchestra Course, which takes place over the October half-term. This comprises a five-day residential course during which an exciting programme of music will be rehearsed for a concert on the final afternoon.

This year's concert will be held at London's Cadogan Hall on Sunday 3 November 2024. The course will be held during the half-term week, Wednesday 30th October to Sunday 3 November in Potters Bar, Herts.

In this mentor program, we are looking for final-year Music College, University and Post Graduate performers to take on leadership roles during rehearsals and the final concert for the English Schools’ Orchestra annual course. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide overnight accomodation, however the English Schools’ Orchestra will provide a payment of £85 per day to cover personal expenses and travel. Daily lunch and afternoon tea are provided together with refreshments throughout the day.

This is a fantastic opportunity for final year and postgraduate performers who are pursuing a career as a professional musician to develop their teaching and leadership skills while playing and working with talented young musicians. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to play alongside and inspire the English Schools’ Orchestra students in rehearsals and participate in the final concert performed at the end of the course in London's Cadogan Hall.

We are specifically looking for mentors who are willing to help younger students during rehearsals as well as talk to them about how they can develop their own musical journey. Each section may have one or more mentors that move from desk to desk to help each of the students or take a leading role in the section. We are not looking for students who just want to have a week of playing experience.

Eligibility

This scheme is open to all final year and postgraduate performers, who are considering a career as an orchestral musician. Participants will be selected by means of online application and written recommendation by their tutor.

How to apply

Applications are now open. Applications are made by completing the online application form summarising their academic and playing history, and intentions for further study, along with a personal recommendation from a tutor.

We are able to accept applications from all orchestral instruments.

If you have any questions or for information on how to get involved in the ESO Mentor Scheme, please do not hesitate to contact our Assistant Director (Students), Ellen Crann or use the contact us link at the bottom of the page.

Full Programme

• Richard Wagner - Overture from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
• Edward Gregson - Tuba Concerto with soloist Charlie Jones
• Anton Bruckner - Symphony no. 7 in E Major

For more information about this year's course and the programme, please visit the 2024 Orchestra Course and Concert page.