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NYCoS NATIONAL BOYS CHOIR 2017
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. The Choir is made up of three sections: 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.
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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14 Octob 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. 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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Joining the Choir involves: • attending an informal audition • attending the week-long residential course • performing at engagements throughout the year
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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. We want you to have a successful audition, so we’ll be listening out for what you do well. Preparation is key; it’s never too early to start practising. After hearing you, Christopher Bell 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. Time and location of your audition will be confirmed by email no later than 25 October 2016. 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 activities supervised by our house staff. CONCERTS & ADDITIONAL ENGAGEMENTS The course finishes with a concert for all sections of the Choir, where friends and family can experience the spectacular results of your hard work. This takes place on 15 April 2017 at Perth Concert Hall. NBC and Changed Voice Section will take part in exciting 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 Costs are inclusive of 2017 membership, full-board accommodation, provision of music, additional engagements and all activities for the residential course: JUNIOR CORPS NBC / CHANGED VOICE SECTION
3 instalments of £130 3 instalments of £160
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? NYCoS is the organisation dedicated to encouraging singing for young people aged 0–25. From Mini Music Makers classes to critically-acclaimed flagship Choir performances, we help young singers reach their full potential. WHO CAN APPLY? Boys aged 10–16 (17 depending on vocal maturity) born, resident/studying in Scotland, or of Scottish descent. 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 by email, with a link to the audition guidelines. REPERTOIRE The music is in a wide variety of styles, in unison, two and three parts. Previous concerts have included music by Vivaldi, Holst, Copland, Britten and Bernstein, as well as Scottish folksongs. NYCoS has commissioned three works by Tom Cunningham, specifically for the 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 (pictured). 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.
NYCoS, The Mitchell, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN t: 0141 287 2856 | e: admin@nycos.co.uk | w: www.nycos.co.uk facebook.com/NYCoScotland | twitter.com/NYCoScotland Scottish Charity No: SC024899. Registered in Scotland No:165149
cover photos by Stuart Armitt
© Douglas McBride