FAQ
Is there a choir in my area that my child can go to?
There are 11 NYCoS Area Choirs across Scotland. Eligibility to apply for a choir is dependent on which Local Authority Area your child attends school in. Please see the Area Choirs homepage to find out where we currently have choirs.
What age does my child have to be to join a NYCoS Area Choir?
Children are recruited at the end of P3 for entry at P4.
Are older children accepted into the NYCoS Area Choirs?
Occasionally this does happen, but is dependant on factors such as their vocal quality and ability to read music.
How often does the choir meet?
The choirs meet each week during term-time. A total of 30 weeks each year.
What day and time does the choir meet?
Each choir meets on different days and at different times. Click on the choir you are intersted in to find out more.
Aberdeen
Dumfries
Dundee
Edinburgh
Falkirk
Galloway
Inverness
Isle of Lewis
Midlothian
Renfrewshire
Stirling
West Lothian
How long is a rehearsal?
Rehearsals last from 1 hour at Training Choir stage up to 2.5-3 hours for older children in the Youth Choirs
What do the children sing?
The children sing music appropriate for their age and voice that is also enjoyable. This is drawn from their own cultural background and from around the world.
Who takes the choir?
Each area choir is led by a Choir Director, supported by music staff. The number of music staff is dependent on the size of the choir. All of our music staff are qualified musicians. Each choir will also have a Co-ordinator at local level. Further information about the choir directors and staff can be found on the choir's individual pages.
What about Disclosure?
All area choir staff undergo an Enhanced Disclosure with NYCoS.
Are there any costs involved?
Yes, there are annual membership fees which go towards the costs of running the choir. The cost is kept as low as possible. In cases of hardship a small bursary may be available.
How do I apply?
Leaflets/application forms go out to the Local Authorities in early spring of each year. In schools where there is a music specialist, P3 children will be heard and where appropriate children will be given a leaflet inviting them to apply for the workshop with the Area Choir staff. Children selected from this workshop will then be invited to the choir. Where there is no music specialist, the head teacher is asked to give all children in P3 a leaflet to take home in order for them to apply for the workshop. Application forms are available from the NYCoS office if a school does not have any.
What happens at a workshop?
The children go into groups of 12 to play some singing games, which are enjoyed by everyone. Children are assessed by the music staff on pitching and rhythm ability and on their behaviour.
There are 11 NYCoS Area Choirs across Scotland. Eligibility to apply for a choir is dependent on which Local Authority Area your child attends school in. Please see the Area Choirs homepage to find out where we currently have choirs.
What age does my child have to be to join a NYCoS Area Choir?
Children are recruited at the end of P3 for entry at P4.
Are older children accepted into the NYCoS Area Choirs?
Occasionally this does happen, but is dependant on factors such as their vocal quality and ability to read music.
How often does the choir meet?
The choirs meet each week during term-time. A total of 30 weeks each year.
What day and time does the choir meet?
Each choir meets on different days and at different times. Click on the choir you are intersted in to find out more.
Aberdeen
Dumfries
Dundee
Edinburgh
Falkirk
Galloway
Inverness
Isle of Lewis
Midlothian
Renfrewshire
Stirling
West Lothian
How long is a rehearsal?
Rehearsals last from 1 hour at Training Choir stage up to 2.5-3 hours for older children in the Youth Choirs
What do the children sing?
The children sing music appropriate for their age and voice that is also enjoyable. This is drawn from their own cultural background and from around the world.
Who takes the choir?
Each area choir is led by a Choir Director, supported by music staff. The number of music staff is dependent on the size of the choir. All of our music staff are qualified musicians. Each choir will also have a Co-ordinator at local level. Further information about the choir directors and staff can be found on the choir's individual pages.
What about Disclosure?
All area choir staff undergo an Enhanced Disclosure with NYCoS.
Are there any costs involved?
Yes, there are annual membership fees which go towards the costs of running the choir. The cost is kept as low as possible. In cases of hardship a small bursary may be available.
How do I apply?
Leaflets/application forms go out to the Local Authorities in early spring of each year. In schools where there is a music specialist, P3 children will be heard and where appropriate children will be given a leaflet inviting them to apply for the workshop with the Area Choir staff. Children selected from this workshop will then be invited to the choir. Where there is no music specialist, the head teacher is asked to give all children in P3 a leaflet to take home in order for them to apply for the workshop. Application forms are available from the NYCoS office if a school does not have any.
What happens at a workshop?
The children go into groups of 12 to play some singing games, which are enjoyed by everyone. Children are assessed by the music staff on pitching and rhythm ability and on their behaviour.
