Question 1

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

It is free to apply and audition for the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.Members pay an annual membership fee of €100 per person or €150 per family.Members are responsible for the costs associated with participation in tours, including travel, accommodation and meals for national and international performances.Members are also responsible for purchasing their orchestra uniform(s), which are required for performances.

Question 2

How old do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

CBOI membership is open to talented young musicians aged 13–24 who play orchestral instruments to the required standard.We welcome young musicians from across Ireland and Northern Ireland who are committed to developing their musical skills and becoming part of a unique community built on excellence, friendship and inclusion.

Question 3

Can I apply on more than one instrument?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can apply on as many instruments as you play to the required standard. You will need to submit a separate video audition for each.

Question 4

Will I need to take time off school?

Accepted Answer

CBOI activity takes place during school holidays and at weekends. OUTLINE SCHEDULEDETAILSVENUEJuly / August5 day workshopWorkshops and rehearsals are held atColáiste Chu Chulainn, Dundalk, Co. Louth.September to JanuaryRehearsals on 3 Sundays per month from 12:00 to4.30pmNovember / DecemberChristmas concert/s may take place in Dundalk and/or at hospitals throughout Ireland.Dundalk, Dublin, GalwayMid-January to Mid-MarchUp to 20 Arena concerts are held over 5 or 6 weekends (up to four concerts per weekend including a matineeand evening concert on Saturdays and Sundays).RDS Dublin, SSE Arena Belfast, SETU Sports Arena, UL Sports Arena, andotherMid-March – AugustBreak to facilitate members doing College, A Level, GCSE, Leaving Cert and Junior Cert examsMid-term breaks / schoolholidaysIf an international concert tour is planned, it will take place during mid-term breaks or schoolholidays.

Question 5

What is the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland

Accepted Answer

Founded in 1995, shortly after the announcement of the Northern Ireland ceasefire, the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) was created as a peace initiative with music at its heart.Based in Coláiste Chú Chulainn, Dundalk, the CBOI brings together over 100 exceptional young musicians from across Ireland and Northern Ireland, united by their passion for music and their commitment to excellence.For over three decades, the orchestra has been recognised internationally as a flagship peace-through-music programme, using music as a powerful force for connection, friendship, understanding and hope.

Question 6

How do I apply and audition

Accepted Answer

It is free to apply and audition for the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.Applicants complete the online application. You will then be invited to submit a video audition.  You should record two contrasting pieces, preferably of contrasting tempo, at the appropriate level e.g. If you have completed Grade 8 you should play grade 8 pieces. You can record them together in one take, or you can do two separate recordings.You can record without accompaniment, or with a live accompanist or backing track.Upload your videos to Google Drive or YouTube (private) and send the video link to the CBOI.

Question 7

What standard do I need the be at?

Accepted Answer

REQUIRED MINIMUM STANDARD1st Violin, 1st Flute, 1st Oboe, 1st Trumpet, 1st TromboneMinimum requirement is Grade 8 with distinctionfrom ABRSM2nd Violin, 2nd Flute, 2nd, 2nd Oboe, Trumpet, 2nd Trombone, 1stClarinet, 1st BassoonMinimum requirement is Grade 7 with merit fromABRSM (Grade 8 with honours from RIAM3rd Violin, 3rd Trumpet, 3rd Trombone, 2nd Clarinet, 2ndBassoonMinimum requirement is Grade 5 with merit fromABRSM (Grade 6 with honours from RIAM)Cello, Double Bass, Tuba, Saxophone, PercussionMinimum requirement is Grade 5 with merit fromABRSM (Grade 6 with honours from RIAM)HarpMinimum requirement is Grade 5 with merit fromABRSM (Grade 6 with honours from RIAM)PianoMinimum requirement is Grade 8 with distinctionfrom ABRSM

Question 8

What should I submit for my video audition?

Accepted Answer

Once you have completed the online applicatoin form, you will be invited to submit your video audition. You should record two contrasting pieces, preferably of contrasting tempo, at the appropriate level e.g. If you have completed Grade 8 you should play grade 8 pieces. You can record them together in one take, or you can do two separate recordings.You can record without accompaniment, or with a live accompanist or backing track.

Question 9

How committed do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

Membership of the CBOI requires dedication and commitment.Members attend rehearsals on Sundays during term time, with many travelling significant distances from across the island of Ireland to take part. Our members are exceptional young people who successfully balance their CBOI commitment alongside school, university, sport and other activities.100%  attendance, preparation and practice are essential. The success of the orchestra depends on every musician contributing fully.

Question 10

Where do members come from?

Accepted Answer

The CBOI is a truly all-island orchestra.Our members travel from counties across Ireland and Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Louth, Meath and many other communities.They include secondary school students, Leaving Certificate and A-Level students, university students and young musicians pursuing a wide range of academic and professional interests.

Question 11

What opportunities does the CBOI provide that sets it apart from all other orchestras?

Accepted Answer

CBOI members have extraordinary opportunities to develop as musicians and performers.Members have the opportunity to:Perform in some of the world’s most prestigious concert venuesWork with leading conductors, musicians and guest artistsDevelop advanced orchestral skillsRepresent Ireland at national and international eventsBuild lifelong friendships with young musicians from across the islandThe CBOI has performed in venues including the Royal Albert Hall, London; Chicago Symphony Hall; Oriental Arts Centre, Shanghai; Culture Hall, Helsinki; and Carnegie Hall, New York.Our musicians have also performed for King Charles III, for President Obama at the White House in 2016, for President Biden and for the late Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle; amoung others .

Question 12

Does the CBOI perform internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. International performance and cultural exchange are an important part of the CBOI experience.The orchestra has represented Ireland around the world, performing at major cultural and diplomatic events and sharing the message of peace through music.In 2023, the CBOI celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement with a historic sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall, New York.

Question 13

Is the CBOI just about becoming a professional musician?

Accepted Answer

While many former members have gone on to study music and pursue careers in the arts, the benefits of CBOI membership extend far beyond the concert stage.Through music, members develop skills that support success in every area of life, including:DisciplineCreativityProblem-solvingConfidenceMemoryTeamworkLeadershipMany members successfully combine their orchestra commitment with demanding academic courses and achievements in areas such as medicine, law, engineering, science, business, education and sport. Other members are successfully employed.

Question 14

Do members need their own instrument?

Accepted Answer

Members are generally expected to have access to their own instrument.Members who have come through our Count Us In programme and are using our instrument, may cotinue to use it until such time as they can purchase their own.

Question 15

What do members gain from being part of the CBOI?

Accepted Answer

For many young musicians, CBOI becomes one of the most significant experiences of their lives.Members gain:Exceptional musical trainingPerformance experience that are second to noneInternational opportunitiesLifelong friendshipsConfidence and personal growthAs one former member shared:"The orchestra gave me so much more than amazing opportunities. I’ve made friends for life, I’ve travelled all over Ireland and abroad, I’ve gained so much confidence and become a much better musician than I ever thought possible."

Question 16

Does the CBOI perform at Corporate and special events

Accepted Answer

Yes. In addition to our concert tours and cultural performances, the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland regularly collaborates with organisations on special events, conferences and corporate occasions.The CBOI brings a unique combination of musical excellence, young talent and a powerful message of connection and unity to every performance.In April 2023, the CBOI was honoured to collaborate with BlackRock on a very special event at the Convention Centre Dublin. The event, “Heroes and Healers,” paid tribute to healthcare workers and recognised their extraordinary commitment and dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.Through performances at corporate, cultural and national events, the CBOI continues to use music as a way to celebrate achievement, inspire audiences and bring people together.

26.07.26

Summer Workshop

26.09.26

Special Peace Concert NCH

26.10.26

Special Peace Concert NCH

Join the Orchestra

Are you ready for the greatest musical adventure of your life?

Applications

Closing date: June 15th

About the Orchestra

About the adventure

Who can join the Orchestra

How to Join

The application process is simple. See the timeline below.

Applications open

Application deadline

Video audition deadline

Places offered

Summer Workshop

Costs and Support

How much does it cost?

How old do I need to be?

Can I apply on more than one instrument?

Will I need to take time off school?

What is the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland

How do I apply and audition

What standard do I need the be at?

What should I submit for my video audition?

How committed do I need to be?

Where do members come from?

What opportunities does the CBOI provide that sets it apart from all other orchestras?

Does the CBOI perform internationally?

Is the CBOI just about becoming a professional musician?

Do members need their own instrument?

What do members gain from being part of the CBOI?

Does the CBOI perform at Corporate and special events

Minimum Standards

1st Violin · 1st Flute · 1st Trumpet · 1st Trombone

2nd Violin · 2nd Flute · 2nd Trumpet · 2nd Trombone · 1st Clarinet

3rd Violin · 3rd Trumpet · 3rd Trombone · 2nd Clarinet

Harp

Piano

Become a CBOI musician.

The application process is simple.
See the timeline below.

Minimum
Standards