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NYCoS NATIONAL BOYS CHOIR 2016
NYCoS National Boys Choir, led by world-renowned conductor Christopher Bell, is for boys aged 10–16 with both changed and unchanged voices. Members sing with other boys to the highest standard, receive expert vocal tuition and develop musicianship skills. Because boys, and their voices, change quickly, NYCoS National Boys Choir has three sections suitable for all ages and stages:
CHANGED VOICE SECTION A section that helps boys continue to sing through the stages of their voice changing. Boys move into this section once their voices change.
Stuart Armitt
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Stuart Armitt
NATIONAL BOYS CHOIR (NBC) For more experienced singers with unchanged voices who can cope with the increased musical and vocal demands of a national choir.
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JUNIOR CORPS For boys with unchanged voices who could benefit from a little more time to develop and gain the experience needed to move into NBC.
High-profile performances by the Choir have included BBC Proms in the Park, Edinburgh International Festival and Aberdeen International Youth Festival, as well as BBC TV and radio broadcasts.
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Becoming a member of NYCoS National Boys Choir involves: • attending an informal audition • attending the week-long residential course in Musselburgh • performing an end-of-course concert and additional engagements as applicable
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AUDITIONS Members of NYCoS National Boys Choir are amongst the most promising young male singers in Scotland and admission to the choir is by audition. Some boys can be a little nervous about auditioning but there really isn’t any need to be; we’ll be listening out for what you do well. Preparation is key, so it’s never too early to start practising. After hearing you, the Choir Director will decide whether you are ready for membership of Junior Corps, National Boys Choir or Changed Voice Section. WHAT TO SING AT THE AUDITION You should bring a song you have learned and can sing well; your singing or class teacher should be able to advise you on suitable repertoire. We strongly suggest you do not sing songs from musicals as these often don’t show off the full vocal potential. An accompanist will be provided. In addition, you will be given simple exercises to sing to test the range of your voice. AUDITION LOCATIONS AND TIMES Depending on numbers, auditions may be held in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. The opportunity to audition by video link may be available to island dwellers. We will confirm exact details with you no later than Friday 30 October 2015. RESIDENTIAL COURSE The activities for the year all stem from the six-day residential course where the repertoire is learned. Members will have vocal coaching, musicianship training and full choir rehearsals with highly-qualified music staff who are experts in their field. The school is set in extensive grounds and, as well as providing for all our musical needs, has sports facilities. The timetable includes recreational activites supervised by our house staff, several of whom are qualified PE instructors. CONCERTS & ADDITIONAL ENGAGEMENTS The course finishes with a concert for all sections of NYCoS National Boys Choir, where friends and family can experience the spectacular results of your hard work. This takes place on Tuesday 5 April at Perth Concert Hall. NBC and Changed Voice Section will take part in additional engagements, full details of which will be advised prior to your audition. Boys will be expected to take part in both the residential course and additional engagements.
COSTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE All costs are inclusive of 2016 membership, full-board accommodation, provision of music, all musical and recreational activities for the residential course. Junior Corps
£325
NBC
£425*
Changed Voice Section
£425*
*includes additional engagements
Don’t be put off by the cost as financial assistance is available. For more information, see the Funding Information page on our website or contact us. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHO ARE WE? The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS) is the organisation dedicated to encouraging singing for young people aged 0–25. From tiny tots learning in our Mini Music Makers classes, through to young adults giving critically acclaimed performances as part of the flagship National Choir, we help young singers reach their full potential. WHO CAN APPLY FOR NYCoS NATIONAL BOYS CHOIR? Boys aged 10–16 (17 depending on vocal maturity) born, resident or studying in Scotland. Boys aged 16/17 are also eligible to apply for NYCoS Training Choir. You can read more about this at nycos.co.uk. Only one audition will be required if you apply for both choirs. HOW DO I APPLY? Apply online at nycos.co.uk. All applications will be acknowledged. REPERTOIRE The music for NYCoS National Boys Choir is in a wide variety of styles; in unison, two and three parts. Previous concerts have included music by Byrd, Vivaldi, Franck, Britten, Cunningham, Goodall and Scottish folksongs. Since 2006, NYCoS has commissioned three works by Tom Cunningham, specifically for the Boys Choir: The Saga of the Seven Days (2006), Seven Planets and a Cosmic Rock (2008) and Going for Gold (2012). WHO ARE THE COURSE STAFF? NYCoS National Boys Choir is directed by Christopher Bell. Ruth Townsend, Course Director, leads a team of qualified and experienced house staff. NYCoS has Child Protection Guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of choir members. cover photo by Drew Farrell
National Youth Choir of Scotland The Mitchell, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN t: 0141 287 2856
f: 0141 287 2858
e: admin@nycos.co.uk
w: www.nycos.co.uk
National Youth Choir of Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC024899