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NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF SCOTLAND 2017
The National Youth Choir of Scotland, led by world-renowned conductor Christopher Bell, is an outstanding choir for young people aged 16–25. One of the UK’s leading choirs, it was recognised in 2012 with the Ensemble award from the Royal Philharmonic Society. The Choir is made up of two sections:
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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NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF SCOTLAND For singers aged 16–25 with previous choral experience, able to cope with top-quality musical and vocal demands.
Appl © Stuart Armitt
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Celebrated recent performances include appearances with the BBC SSO, SCO, RSNO and Kronos Quartet, and at events including Edinburgh International Festival, MTV Europe Music Awards, XX Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, Festival Berlioz in France and Grand Teton Music Festival in the USA. Every three years, NYCoS embarks on an international tour. Previous destinations include Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Slovakia, Sweden and the USA. In 2014 and 2016, the Choir received world-wide critical acclaim for its exceptional performances at the BBC Proms under the baton of Donald Runnicles and Sir John Eliot Gardiner respectively.
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“One of the best choral ensembles in the world” - Donald Runnicles, OBE “They rose magnificently to the challenge” - Sir John Eliot Gardiner Joining the Choir involves: • attending an audition • attending the week-long residential course • performing at engagements throughout the year
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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; it’s never too early to start practising. After hearing you, Christopher Bell will decide whether you are ready for membership of the National Youth Choir of 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. We strongly suggest you do not sing songs from musicals as these often don’t show off the 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. 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 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 NYCoS Training Choir, where friends and family can experience the spectacular results of your hard work. This takes place on 10 July 2017 at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh. Both sections of the Choir will take part in exciting 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 Costs are inclusive of 2017 membership, full-board accommodation, provision of music, additional engagements and all activities for the residential course: NYCoS TRAINING CHOIR NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF SCOTLAND
5 instalments of £100 5 instalments of £110
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? Singers aged 16–25 born, resident/studying in Scotland, or of Scottish descent. HOW DO I APPLY? Apply online at nycos.co.uk. All applications will be acknowledged by email, with a link to the audition guidelines. 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 the National Youth Choir of Scotland and NYCoS Training Choir are SATB choirs performing a wide variety of music. Previous concerts have included music by Mozart, Brahms, Fauré, Britten, Jenkins and Goodall. WHO ARE THE COURSE STAFF? The National Youth Choir of Scotland is directed by Christopher Bell (pictured), whilst NYCoS Training Choir is directed by Andrew Nunn. Both are supported by 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 Sally Jubb
© Douglas McBride