National Youth Choir of Scotland Training Choir

National Youth Choir of Scotland Training Choir

	2008 Dates
	Repertoire
	Audition Dates
	Staff
	Fees and Funding
	Members Section
	FAQ
	Members Views
	How to Apply
	Auditions
	Concerts

The National Youth Choir of Scotland Training Choir was formed in 1997 and works alongside NYCoS during the summer residential course. The Training Choir gives singers in the age range 15 - 19 who need more experience (and perhaps time for their voices to develop) the opportunity to undertake challenging repertoire and have expert vocal and choral and individual coaching.

The basis of NYCoS TC activities stem from the summer residential course in July which they share with NYCoS. In addition a Singing Day is held in November and a residential weekend in February/March.

Gordon Jack was Director of the Training Choir for its first three summers, and this period saw the development of the choir from a small group of around 30 members. From 2000 - 2003 we welcomed David Lawrence as Training Choir Director. Under his direction the choir continued to expand and in 2003 it was an SATB choir numbering 60. In 2004 Stephen Williams directed the biggest ever Training Choir conducting concerts in Glasgow and Edinburgh as part of the NAYO Choral Festival. Sue Hollingworth has been Training Choir Director since 2005.

The traditional pattern of concerts for the Training Choir includes the Chapel Royal in Stirling Castle, and participation with NYCoS in the end of course concert in July. In addition, other suitable opportunities are sought. In 2007 the Training Choir took part in the Festival of British Youth Orchestras in Glasgow and Edinburgh

PRESS QUOTES

This was an outstandingly good concert. The singing was excellent, with excellent intonation, expression and diction (you could actually make out the words!).

Charlie Napier, EIF Website

More from the Training Choir... their performance was remarkable given that most of the participants appear to be younger singers and that they have spent so little time together.

NYCoS Review page on website, July 2000

...under the expert baton of director Sue Hollingworth, the young singers not only matched the older choir in terms of quality, but very nearly stole the show with a rousing set of songs.

Susan Nickalls, The Scotsman

The standard of singing of this group of young people, aged between 15 and 19, was of the highest. Every aspect of the singing was excellent...it was a joy to listen to.

Edinburgh Guide website, August 2007

2008 Dates

The location for the residential course in 2008 will be Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh. The course will run from 6th - 12th July. The NYCoS Training Choir will perform at Stirling Castle on 11th July and with NCYoS at the City Halls in Glasgow on 12th July. They will also perform at the British Federation of Youth Orchestras Festival from 15th - 17th August. Some members may be invited to perform with NYCoS at either Proms in the Park on 13th July, or in the performance of The Armed Man on the 8th - 9th November in Edinburgh.

Repertoire for NYCoS Training Choir 2006

The NYCoS Training Choir concentrates on a wide range of repetoire, which allows good development of singing technique.

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Audition Dates

The auditions for 2008 will be held during the periods 28 February - 2 March and 6 - 8 March in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Depending on the number of applications from each area, auditions may also be held in Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Dumfries during the above dates.

See Auditions for what is required at a NYCoS Audition, and an example of the sight-reading test.

Should I apply for NYCoS or NYCoS Training Choir?

Don’t worry if you are unsure which choir to apply for. Once we have heard you we will be able to advise you which choir would be most suitable.

Accommodation

July- Merchiston Castle, Edinburgh, which has a full range of rehearsal and recreational facilities (including a swimming pool). The recently refurbished accommodation is a mixture of single and shared rooms. Full board terms are provided.

August - Accommodation will be provided. Venue tbc.

Staff

Staff very from year to year.
Christopher Bell is the Artistic Director and Conductor of NYCoS
The training choir has its own dedicated team of music staff.
Ruth Townsend is the course director
Margaret Izatt is the Head of Singing.

The House Staff have certificates in First Aid and Life Saving

Fees and Funding

The membership fee for NYCoS Training Choir 2008 is £395, which includes full board accommodation at Merchiston Castle School, provision of music, transport to concert venues and vocal coaching. It also includes accomodation during the August weekend plus transport to concerts.

Is there any financial assistance available?

Yes. A number of local authorities, schools, universities, colleges, educational trusts and firms have assisted members in the past. You should apply either through your school, Head of Education Service or Faculty Head etc. See Funding

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