Youth Session Orchestra - workshop days
Sunday 30th November 2025
With Andrew Cottee
10.00am
For musicians aged under 25 years – work with industry professionals in the style of a professional recording and session orchestra.
Modeled after the orchestras that record for film, television, pop, and classical soundtracks, this orchestra offers a unique opportunity to perform at the highest standard alongside experienced professionals.
During this inspiring full-day workshop, you’ll learn skills, discipline, and teamwork required to excel in a professional session environment. Experience what it’s like to work as a true session player, with exciting, on-the-edge-of-your-seat rehearsals and performances.
Playing standard is recommended at ABRSM Grade 8+ level with a minimum playing standard of Grade 6 or equivalent.
Sessions will be led by our team of internationally renowned conductors, musical directors, performers and educators.
Natalia Luis-Bassa
Dynamic, motivational and a passionate advocate for importance of music education, dedicated to empowering and supporting young musicians’ in their artistic and personal growth, Natalia has established numerous successful partnerships with a wide variety of organisations in the UK and around the world.
Working regularly with the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain, National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, AMIS, and the Benedetti Foundation
Natalia’s positivity and energy is inspirational.
Andrew Cottee
With a diverse list of credits in film, television and live perfomances Andrew is a regular at Abbey Road Studios and SkyWalker Ranch.
Andrews collaborations include Disney, NBC Universal, Paul McCartney, Quincy Jones, and Seth MacFarlane, original music awarded Best Original Score for Television by the International Film Music Critics Association, recorded many soundtracks for Walt Disney Imagineering, arrangements for Universal Pictures, TV series Family Guy and Ted, album releases include Paul McCartney’s Ocean’s Kingdom, Andrew Lloyd Webber Symphonic Suites, multiple recordings for Seth MacFarlane; live performances at the BBC Proms, Ravinia Festival, and the Broadway production of An American in Paris; orchestrating music of computer game veteran Nobuo Uematsu; poerforming with London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and as a conductor with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, and on numerous studio recordings in London and Los Angeles….
Andrew brings an incredible wealth of experience to share.
Whether you’re aiming for a career in studio work or simply want to push your playing to new heights, this is an unmissable opportunity to develop your skills, expand your network, and be part of a groundbreaking new project.
Applications invited from young musicians aged up to 25.
Playing standard is recommended at ABRSM Grade 8+ level with a minimum standard of Grade 6 or equivalent.
Whether you’re a violinist, trumpet player, cellist, guitarist, or play any other instrument,
this is your chance to be part of something truly special!
more upcoming events - dates for your diary
Weddings at Standedge
The Arts Centre is available as an Exclusive Wedding Venue on a limited number of dates throughout the year.
Revenue from the events goes back in to the centre to support our work with community arts.
For more details email hello@standedge.org
North of England Centre For Music & Arts is a not for profit community interest company.
We need to raise more than £80,000 each year to keep this wonderful centre at Standedge open.
That doesn’t pay for staff or volunteers. Everything we do relies on your generous donations and support from audiences attending events.
Our ‘Future Stars’ programme supports excellence in music performance and has provided fine professional instruments to deserving young players.
Past recipients have gone on to lead in the National Childrens Orchestras, National Youth Orchestras, the Hallé Youth Orchestra and study at or be employed by some of the top Conservatoires including the Royal College of Music, London.
Please help us to continue to provide a space for creativity in our community.
YOUR DONATION, BIG OR SMALL, WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
North of England Centre For Music & Arts is a not for profit community interest company.
We provide music and arts education and performances to be enjoyed by everyone.
We need to raise more than £80,000 each year to keep this wonderful centre at Standedge open.
Hanson Community Arts provides opportunities for community music making through our education and outreach programmes.
From our home at North of England Centre for Music & Arts we provide instruments and lessons, run a Community Orchestra, Choirs, Wind Band, Big Band, Orchestral String Group, Ukulele Group, Jazz Improvisation and Music Theory Classes.
North of England Centre For Music & Arts is a not for profit community interest company.
We need to raise more than £80,000 each year to keep this wonderful centre at Standedge open.
That doesn’t pay for staff or volunteers. Everything we do relies on your generous donations and support from audiences attending events.
Our ‘Future Stars’ programme supports excellence in music performance and has provided fine professional instruments to deserving young players.
Past recipients have gone on to lead in the National Childrens Orchestras, National Youth Orchestras, the Hallé Youth Orchestra and study at or be employed by some of the top Conservatoires including the Royal College of Music, London.
Please help us to continue to provide a space for creativity in our community.
YOUR DONATION, BIG OR SMALL, WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Centre Highlights
A Visual Journey Through Our Centre
Hanson Arts
At the heart of the North of England Centre for Music and Arts. With a passion for preserving cultural heritage and fostering new artistic talents, we are dedicated to creating a vibrant community hub at Standedge. Our work provides innovative arts programs that engage and inspire irrespective of age, race, gender or belief.
Promoting excellence in music education, making music fun, accessible and inclusive.
Support Our Cultural Haven
Your contributions enable us to maintain this magnificent facility and continue offering a wide array of programs that enrich our community. Help us keep the arts alive at Standedge by donating today. Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant difference.
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How to find us
North of England Centre for Music & Arts
Standedge Visitor Centre
Waters Road
Marsden
HD7 6NQ
