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NYCoS NATIONAL GIRLS CHOIR 2017
NYCoS National Girls Choir, led by world-renowned conductor Christopher Bell, is for girls aged 12–16 who show vocal and musical potential. Members sing with other girls to the highest standard, receive expert vocal tuition and develop musicianship skills. The Choir is made up of two sections:
NATIONAL GIRLS CHOIR (NGC) For more experienced singers who can cope with the increased musical and vocal demands of a national choir.
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High-profile performances by the Choir have included BBC Proms in the Park, Edinburgh International Festival, Aberdeen International Youth Festival and Lammermuir Festival. The Choir has, to date, released three acclaimed CDs: A Ceremony of Carols (2010), Letters to Lindbergh (2012) and Only a Singing Bird (2015), the latter of which was recorded with NYCoS National Girls Choir patron and celebrated Scottish mezzosoprano, Karen Cargill. Joining the Choir involves: • attending an informal audition • attending the week-long residential course • performing at engagements throughout the year
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photos by Drew Farrell
NATIONAL GIRLS TRAINING CHOIR For girls who audition successfully, but whose voices are not quite ready for NGC or who need a bit more choral experience.
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AUDITIONS Members of NYCoS National Girls Choir are amongst the most promising young female 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 National Girls Training Choir or National Girls Choir.
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WHAT TO SING AT THE AUDITION You should bring a song you have learned and can sing well in a classical style; 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, applicants will be given simple exercises to sing to test the range of their voices and may be asked to sing a simple song at sight.
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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.
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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 both sections of the Choir, where friends and family can experience the spectacular results of your hard work. This takes place on 8 April 2017 at New Auditorium, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The Choir will take part in exciting additional engagements, full details of which will be advised prior to your audition. Girls 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: NATIONAL GIRLS TRAINING CHOIR NATIONAL GIRLS CHOIR (NGC)
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? Girls aged 12–16 born, resident/studying in Scotland, or of Scottish descent. Girls aged 16 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 Brahms, Fauré, Britten, Bennett and Whitacre. Music is chosen with the age range and vocal qualities of the singers in mind – some challenging, but all within their capabilities. WHO ARE THE COURSE STAFF? National Girls Choir is directed by Christopher Bell (pictured), whilst National Girls Training Choir is directed by Mark Evans. 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 Drew Farrell
© Douglas McBride