2015 & USA TOUR 2016

NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF SCOTLAND

IT’S FOR

The National Youth Choir of Scotland, led by world-renowned conductor Christopher Bell, is an outstanding choir for young people aged 16–25. Over the last 19 years, it has established itself as one of the leading youth choirs in the UK. Its celebrated performances, including appearances with the Kronos Quartet, BBC SSO, SCO and RSNO, were recognised in 2012 with an award from the Royal Philharmonic Society in London.

Becoming a member of the National Youth Choir of Scotland involves:

• attending an informal audition• attending the week-long residential course in Edinburgh• performing at engagements throughout the year

NYCoS members on tour in Central Europe (2013)

“If Scotland has

a better choir, I

haven’t heard it”

The Herald

The National Youth Choir of Scotland has performed at events all over the UK, the highlights of which include: Edinburgh International Festival, MTV Europe Music Awards and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. This year, the Choir received world-wide recognition and critical acclaim for its exceptional performance of Mozart Requiem at the BBC Proms: “the real thrill of that concert lay in the choir itself” (The Independent).

The National Youth Choir of Scotland has two sections:

NYCoS Training Choir: for enthusiastic singers aged 16–19, who need more experience and perhaps time for their voices to develop.

NYCoS: for singers aged 16–25, able to cope with high musical and vocal demands, with previous choral experience.

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Residential Course

5th–11th July 2015 Merchiston Castle School

Edinburgh

Application Deadline

9th January 2015

Audition Dates 12th–14th and 20th–22nd

March 2015

Apply Online Nownycos.co.uk

“This is one of Scotland’s crown jewels.” Donald Runnicles

AuditionsMembers 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. After hearing you, Choir Director Christopher Bell will decide whether singers are ready for membership of NYCoS or NYCoS Training Choir.

What to sing at the auditionYou will be invited to come to an informal 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. It is not advisable to sing songs from musicals as these do not always show off your full vocal potential.

All applicants will be 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 for NYCoS Training Choir by video link may be available to island dwellers.

We’ll confirm exact details with you no later than Friday 30th January 2015.

Residential CourseThe 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, and there will be lots of time to enjoy them. There is also a formal dinner where members dress up and dance the night away.

Concerts & Additional EngagementsNYCoS Training Choir will perform at Stirling Castle on Friday 10th July, before the end-of-course concert in Merchiston Castle School on Saturday 11th July.

NYCoS and NYCoS Training Choir are often invited to take part in additional engagements, full details of which will be advised prior to your audition. These include performances for each section in August. Members will be expected to take part in both the residential course and additional engagements.

Residential Course

5th–11th July 2015 Merchiston Castle School

Edinburgh

Application Deadline

9th January 2015

Audition Dates 12th–14th and 20th–22nd

March 2015

Apply Online Nownycos.co.uk

NYCoSTakes You Places

Every three years, the National Youth Choir of Scotland embarks on an international tour. Previous destinations include Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Slovakia, Sweden and the USA.

For the chance to be part of the USA tour in 2016, you must apply for the Choir this year.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.

“On tour with NYCoS I have seen some amazing places, and made friends for life. NYCoS is a family. In no other organisation would you find such an amazing group of people to work with, or take so much from every experience.”

- NYCoS member

NYCoS tour in Chicago (2004), photo by Dan Rest

The Price of SuccessAll costs are inclusive of 2015 membership, full-board accommodation, provision of music, all musical and recreational activities for the residential course and all 2015 additional engagements.

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?The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS) is the organisation dedicated to encouraging singing for young people aged 0–25. 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 NYCoS?Singers aged 16–25 who were born, are resident or studying in Scotland, or are of Scotttish descent.

How do I apply?Apply online at nycos.co.uk. All applications will be acknowledged.

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.

RepertoireBoth NYCoS and NYCoS Training Choir are SATB choirs performing a wide variety of music. Previous concerts have included music by Mozart, Brahms, Fauré, Britten, Chilcott and Goodall.

Who are the course staff?NYCoS is directed by Christopher Bell, whilst NYCoS Training Choir is directed by Frikki Walker. 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.

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

Training Choir

£449

NYCoS

£499

cover photo by Drew Farrell