IT’S FOR NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF SCOTLAND NATIONAL GIRLS CHOIR 2014
NYCoS National Girls Choir 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. NYCoS National Girls Choir has two sections suitable for all ages and stages:
Applic Dead
NGC Training Choir: for girls who audition successfully, but whose voices are not quite ready for National Girls Choir or who need a bit more choral experience.
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National Girls Choir (NGC): for more experienced singers who can cope with the increased musical and vocal demands of a national choir.
Audition High-profile performances by the Choir have included BBC Proms in the Park, Edinburgh International Festival, Aberdeen International Youth Festival and Lammermuir Festival. NGC has, to date, recorded two well-received CDs: Britten A Ceremony of Carols (2010) and Bennett Letters to Lindbergh (2012).
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Becoming a member of NYCoS National Girls 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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14th–19th A Loretto S Mussel
Read more on the following page and the FAQs on the very back page...
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Photos © Drew Farrell
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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. Some girls can be a little nervous about auditioning but there really isn’t any need to be. We’ve had lots of experience at putting young singers at ease and remember, we’ll be listening out for what you do well. After hearing you, the Choir Director will decide whether girls are ready for membership of NGC Training Choir or National Girls Choir. What to sing at the audition
nd 23rd–25th
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 shows such as Cats, Les Misérables etc 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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All applicants are offered an audition so it’s never too early to start practising.
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April 2014 School, lburgh
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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. We’ll confirm exact details with you no later than Friday 20th December 2013.
Residential Course The activities for the year all stem from the week-long 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 timetable includes recreational activities supervised by our house staff.
Concerts and 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 Saturday 19th April 2014, 3pm in St. Cuthbert’s Church, Edinburgh. NGC is often invited to take part in additional engagements; full details will be advised at the time of audition. Girls will be expected to take part in both the residential course and additional engagements.
Costs and Financial Assistance All costs are inclusive of full-board accommodation, provision of music and all musical and recreational activities for the residential course. NGC Training Choir
NGC
£325
£425* *includes additional engagements
Don’t be put off if the cost is an issue 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 0–24. 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 National Girls Choir? Girls aged 12–16 born, resident or studying in Scotland. 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, providing the application for NYCoS Training Choir is made before Monday 2nd December. How do I apply? Apply online at nycos.co.uk or complete the attached form. All applications will be acknowledged within seven days. If you have not received acknowledgement in this time, please contact the NYCoS office to check your application has arrived safely. Repertoire The music for NYCoS National Girls Choir is in a wide variety of styles; in unison, two and three parts. Previous concerts have included music by Brahms, Fauré, Kodály, Poulenc, Britten and Bennett. 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? NGC is directed by Christopher Bell, whilst NGC 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. National Youth Choir of Scotland t: 0141 287 2856
The Mitchell, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN
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