NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF SCOTLAND

IT’SFOR

NATIONAL BOYS CHOIR 2014

NYCoS National Boys Choir is for boys aged 10–16 with both changed and unchanged voices. Members sing with other boys to the highest standard, receive

expert vocal tuition and develop musicianship skills.

Because boys, and their voices, change quickly, NYCoS National Boys Choir has three sections suitable for all ages and stages:

Junior Corps: for boys with unchanged voices who could benefit from a little more time to develop and gain the experience needed to move into NBC.

Changed Voice Section: a section that helps boys continue to sing through the stages of their voice changing. Boys simply move into this section once their voices change.

National Boys Choir (NBC): for more experienced singers with unchanged voices who can cope with the increased musical and vocal demands of a national choir.

Residential Course

6th–11th April 2014 Loretto School, Musselburgh

Application Deadline

15th November 2013

Audition Dates 16th–18th and 23rd–25th

January 2014

End-of-Course Concert

11th April 2014Perth

Photos © Drew Farrell

High-profile performances by the Choir have included BBC Proms in the Park, Songs of Praise, Edinburgh International Festival and a special performance for the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as BBC radio broadcasts.

Becoming a member of NYCoS National Boys 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

Read more on the following page and the FAQs on the very back page...

Residential Course

6th–11th April 2014 Loretto School, Musselburgh

Application Deadline

15th November 2013

Audition Dates 16th–18th and 23rd–25th

January 2014

End-of-Course Concert

11th April 2014Perth

Auditions

Members of NYCoS National Boys Choir are amongst the most promising young male singers in Scotland and admission to the choir is by audition. Some boys 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 boys are ready for membership of Junior Corps, National Boys Choir or Changed Voice Section.

What to sing at the audition

You should bring a song you have learned and can sing well; 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.

All applicants are offered an audition so it’s never too early to start practising.

Audition Locations and TimesDepending 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 school is set in extensive grounds and, as well as providing for all our musical needs, has sports facilities. The timetable includes recreational activites supervised by our house staff, several of whom are qualified PE instructors.

Concerts and Additional Engagements

The course finishes with a concert for all sections of the choir, where friends and family can experience the spectacular results of your hard work. This takes place on Friday 11th April 2014, 3pm in Perth Concert Hall.

NBC and Changed Voice Section are often invited to take part in additional engagements; full details will be advised at the time of audition. Boys will be expected to take part in both the residential course and additional engagements.

Costs and Financial AssistanceAll costs are inclusive of full-board accommodation, provision of music and all musical and recreational activities for the residential course.

*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 QuestionsWho 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 Boys Choir?Boys aged 10–16 (17 depending on vocal maturity) born, resident or studying in Scotland. Boys aged 16/17 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.

RepertoireThe music for NYCoS National Boys Choir is in a wide variety of styles; in unison, two and three parts. Previous concerts have included music by Byrd, Franck, Britten, Cunningham, Goodall and Scottish folksongs. Since 2006, NYCoS has commissioned three works by Tom Cunningham, specifically for the Boys Choir, The Saga of the Seven Days (2006), Seven Planets and a Cosmic Rock (2008) and Going for Gold (2012).

Who are the course staff?NYCoS National Boys Choir is directed by Christopher Bell. 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.

Changed Voice Section

£425*

NBC

£425*

Junior Corps

£325

National Youth Choir of Scotland The Mitchell, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DNt: 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