NSCE Music Programs

The NSCE offers three innovative youth programs that use the celtic music traditions as a leaping off point for a full range of music experiences. 

The NSCE Novice Ensemble is an early performing arts group, designed for players between the ages of 10 and 16, who have an interest in learning, playing and performing a mostly celtic or celtic-inspired repertoire in a group environment. It's a place to find out why you're taking those music lessons!

The NSCE Junior Ensemble is a performing arts group designed for players between the ages of 12 and 18, who have a strong interest and commitment to improving performance quality and exploring new musical opportunities and challenges. It's in this program that we start to break down the boundaries between music genres and traditions, and take music out into the community.

The NSCE Senior Ensemble is a high performing artistic group, designed for experienced players between the ages of 14 and 18 who want to explore new musical directions, stretch themselves artistically, and engage with their communities to make a difference through music.

We currently has about 60 musicians playing in these three groups. Most are playing violins, but there are a range of other string, percussion, keyboard and wind instruments.

All our programs are designed to complement rather than replace private lessons. They provide an opportunity to apply the skills learned in private lessons in a fun and dynamic ensemble-playing environment, and to use music to communicate and connect with each other. 

The Program Philosophy is based on the idea that kids are motivated to learn and grow as musicians when they are inspired by the energy of the music and the fun of sharing it.

More information about what's involved for players and families is available in the Handbook.