National Girls Choir - Auditions

Where and when are the auditions?

Audition locations are dependent on sufficient numbers applying from each area but may be held in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness and will take place during the periods 17-19 and 24-26 January 2013. The opportunity to audition by video link may be available to island dwellers.

How much will it cost?

Membership of the National Girls Training Choir will cost £315 and membership of National Girls Choir will cost £415. The fees cover full board accommodation, provision of music and all musical and recreational activities at the residential course. The fee for National Girls Choir will also cover the additional engagements.

Don’t be put off by the cost as financial assistance is often available. For further information contact us or see FAQ on the NGC 2013 page of the NYCoS website www.nycos.co.uk.

Course Staff NYCoS is fortunate to be able to secure the highest quality music and house staff to ensure that the end result is always spectacular and enjoyable. The National Girls Choir will be directed by Christopher Bell and the Training Choir by Mark Evans. The Course Director is Ruth Townsend and she leads a team of qualified and experienced house staff. Margaret Izatt leads the team of singing teachers. NYCoS has an Equal Opportunities Policy and Child Protection Guidelines in operation to ensure the wellbeing of choir members.

"The National Girls Choir has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life"

Drew Farrell

NYCoS National Girls Choir Member

NYCoS National Girls Choir at Glasgow City Hall – April 2012

National Youth Choir of Scotland The Mitchell, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN Telephone: 0141 287 2856 Fax: 0141 287 2858 e-mail: admin@nycos.co.uk www.nycos.co.uk Scottish Charity No: SC024899 Registered in Scotland No: SC165149

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Repertoire The music chosen will be in a wide variety of styles; unison, two parts and three parts. Past repertoire has included works by Kodály, Fauré, Brahms, Richard Rodney Bennett, Britten, Poston, Poulenc and Bingham. It is chosen with the age range and voice qualities of the singers in mind – some challenging, but all within their capabilities.

The National Girls Choir was formed in 2007 and, in a very short space of time, has become nationally recognised as an extremely fine ensemble. Performances have been given at BBC Proms in the Park and at major music festivals including Edinburgh International Festival, Aberdeen International Youth Festival and Lammermuir Festival. NGC has recorded two CDs - Britten A Ceremony of Carols and Poston An English Day-book in 2010 and choral music of Richard Rodney Bennett including Letters to Lindbergh and The Aviary due for release in 2013.

The Training Choir offers the opportunity for girls who audition successfully, but whose voices are not quite ready for National Girls Choir or who need a bit more choral experience, to benefit from all that a National Girls Choir course has to offer. The choir is directed by Mark Evans and has its own slot in the end of course concert.

National Girls Choir (NGC) is for more experienced singers who are able to cope with the increased musical and vocal demands of a national choir which, in addition to its own engagements, is invited to take part in high profile concerts by organisations such as international music festivals and broadcasting media. NGC is directed by Christopher Bell.

Residential Course The course dates are 7-12 April 2013, at Loretto School, Musselburgh. Both choirs meet for a six day residential course which culminates in a concert. The daily timetable consists of a mixture of vocal coaching, musicianship training and full choir rehearsals with highly qualified staff who are experts in their field. The school is set in extensive grounds and the timetable includes recreational activities supervised by our house staff.

Who can apply for the National Girls Choir?

Girls aged 12-16 at 7 April 2013, who were born in, are resident in or studying in Scotland. In exceptional circumstances girls just outside this age range may be considered. Girls aged 16 would also be eligible to apply for NYCoS Training Choir. Only one audition will be required if you apply for both choirs providing the application for NYCoS Training Choir is made before 7 December. Apply online for NYCoS Training Choir.

How do I apply?

Complete the attached form and return it by Monday 19 November 2012. All applications will be acknowledged. If you have not received acknowledgement within seven days of sending in your form please contact the NYCoS office on 0141 287 2856 to check that it has arrived safely.

IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF A NYCoS AREA CHOIR YOUR APPLICATION FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY THE CHOIR DIRECTOR.

How will members of the choir be chosen?

Admission to the choir is by audition. The Choir Director will decide whether girls are ready for membership of the Training Choir or National Girls Choir.

If I apply will I get an audition?

Yes, everyone who applies will be auditioned by Chrisopher Bell, Director of the National Girls Choir.

Start practising now!

What should I sing at the audition?

You should bring a song you have learned and can sing well in a classical style. It is not advisable to sing songs from shows (Cats, Les Miserables etc), as these do not always show off the full vocal potential. Discuss suitable repertoire with your singing or class teacher now. An accompanist will be provided. The Director will also ask applicants to sing simple exercises to test the range of their voices and may ask them to sing a simple song at sight.

Concert Date The end of course concert for the Training Choir and NGC takes place on Friday 12 April, 3.00pm in Perth Concert Hall.

Full details will be advised at the time of audition. Girls are expected to take part in both the residential course and the additional engagements.

Drew Farrell

Additional Engagements NGC concerts in August and September.