National Youth Choir
Recognised as one of the most outstanding choirs of any kind in the world, the original and most senior of the regular choirs is for young people in school years 11 and above up to the age of 22. Members gain experience of the highest standards of professional rehearsal and performance on courses in the UK and on international tours whilst exploring an advanced choral repertoire.
Past members of the National Youth Choir include a King’s Singer, many opera soloists, jazz and gospel stars and hosts of teachers and conductors.
What happens on an NYC course?
Rehearsals
The day always starts with a substantial warm-up session, taken either by a conductor or a singing teacher, in order to warm up body and voice.
During each day, rehearsals are split into short blocks to aid concentration, and vary between sectionals, upper/lower voices, or full rehearsals. The day always ends with one of the full rehearsals, which can be taken either by Mike Brewer, or by an associate conductor.
Vocal training is at the heart of every rehearsal, with emphaisis on basic techniques and on adapting them to a wide variety of styles.
Sectionals
The choir splits into 8 groups (2 each of Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses) for sectional rehearsals. These rehearsals are mainly for the purpose of learning notes, as there is no work on this during full rehearsals.
These rehearsals are run by section leaders , who are chosen from within the choir for their leadership and musicianship skills. They are also responsible for the discipline, punctuality and morale of their section and work with pastoral staff to help individuals with musical or personal problems.
Singing Lessons
During every course, each chorister has a singing lesson with one of the associated singing teachers and if at all possible, choristers are given the same singing teacher on each course.
Social
On arrival at the course, the choir is split into ‘families’ , with a designated ‘family leader’ (or parent). These groups enable new members to easily make friends within the choir.
There is a long break every afternoon, during which activities are planned - often sports - for all members to join in.
The evening social activities are planned by the social secretary (a senior choir member) and include quizzes, games, film nights and trips to the local night-spots.
The course social activites conclude with a ‘Cabaret’ in which choristers perform humorous songs and sketches.
