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NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF SCOTLAND 2016
The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS), led by world-renowned conductor Christopher Bell, is an outstanding choir for young people aged 16–25. Over the last 20 years, it has established itself as one of the leading choirs in the UK and was recognised in 2012 with an award from the Royal Philharmonic Society.
NYCoS TRAINING CHOIR For enthusiastic singers aged 16–19, who need more experience and perhaps time for their voices to develop.
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Drew Farrell
Every three years, NYCoS embarks on an international tour. July 2016 will see members of last year’s choir travel to the USA – places for this may still be available to new applicants. In addition to the touring choir (NYCoS USA), the National Youth Choir of Scotland is made up of:
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14 Octob Stuart Armitt
NYCoS SCOTLAND For singers aged 16–25, able to cope with high musical and vocal demands, with previous choral experience.
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Celebrated recent NYCoS performances include appearances with the BBC SSO, SCO, RSNO and Kronos Quartet, and at events including Edinburgh International Festival, MTV Europe Music Awards and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Last year, the Choir received world-wide recognition and critical acclaim Audit for its exceptional performance of Mozart Requiem at the BBC Proms: Novembe “the real thrill of that concert lay in the choir itself” - The Independent Becoming a member of the • • •
National Youth Choir of Scotland involves: attending an audition attending the week-long residential course in Edinburgh performing at engagements throughout the year
NYCoS singers during 2013 tour to Central Europe
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AUDITIONS Members of the National Youth Choir of Scotland are amongst the most promising young singers in the UK and admission to the choir is by audition. Preparation is key, so it’s never too early to start practising. After hearing you, Christopher Bell will decide whether you are ready for membership of NYCoS Scotland or NYCoS Training Choir. WHAT TO SING AT THE AUDITION You will be invited to come to an audition where you will be asked to sing a song you have prepared, sing at sight and sing some scales to establish your range. Whilst ability to sing at sight is desirable, you should not be deterred from applying if your sight-singing is currently weak. Your singing teacher or class teacher should advise you on your choice of song. It is not advisable to sing songs from musicals as these do not always show off your full vocal potential. AUDITION LOCATIONS AND TIMES Depending on numbers, auditions may be held in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester and London. The opportunity to audition for NYCoS Training Choir 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 week-long residential course, where the repertoire is learned. The seven days are full of intense musical activity, vocal coaching, individual singing lessons and full choir rehearsals mixed with recreation time and informal concerts. Members receive individual singing lessons from top-flight professional singers and teaching to the highest standards. The school has full sports facilities and a swimming pool. There is also a formal dinner where members dress up and dance the night away. 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 Saturday 9 July at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh. NYCoS Scotland and NYCoS Training Choir are often invited to take part in additional engagements, full details of which will be advised prior to your audition. Singers 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 and all 2016 additional engagements. NYCoS Training Choir
NYCoS Scotland
£449
£499
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? Singers aged 16–25 who were born, are resident or studying in Scotland, or are of Scotttish descent. HOW DO I APPLY? Apply online at nycos.co.uk. All applications will be acknowledged. AM I GOOD ENOUGH? If you are enthusiastic about singing, enjoy it and are prepared to work hard to sing to your full potential, we would like to hear from you. REPERTOIRE Both NYCoS Scotland and NYCoS Training Choir are SATB choirs performing a wide variety of music. Previous concerts have included music by Mozart, Brahms, Fauré, Britten, Chilcott and Goodall. WHO ARE THE COURSE STAFF? NYCoS Scotland and NYCoS Training Choir each has its own Director, supported by a team of qualified and experienced house staff. NYCoS has Child Protection Guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of choir members. cover photo by Stuart Armitt
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