Training Choirs, North and South
The National Youth Training Choirs (NYTC) enable singers in school years 9 to 13 to discover an innovative choral repertoire whilst improving musicianship and vocal performance.
For some young singers membership of one of the NYCGB Training Choirs is a stepping stone into the National Youth Choir and even a singing career, for others it is a wonderful experience of the enjoyment and satisfaction of singing while still at school.
What happens on a Training Choir 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 voice and body.
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 the Musical Director 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.
As well as this, the Training Choir is sometimes split into smaller choirs which perform separately in the concert, and give the choristers the opportunity to sing as part of a smaller choir.
Sectionals
Sectionals for NYTC are led by members of staff and are smaller rehearsals in which note-learning takes place. There are a greater number of sectionals at the beginning of the week, and more full rehearsals closer to the concert.
Singing Lessons
During every course, each chorister is given one singing lesson by one of the associated singing teachers and if at all possible, choristers are given the same singing teacher on each course.
Musicianship
Members of NYTC receive musicianship lessons. The choir is split into ability groups . The streaming for these groups is done using a short written musicianship assessment.
In these classes students learn the Kodaly sol-fa hand signals, which they then use as a platform on which to base pitching, sight-reading and general musicianship problems.
The classes also use games to learn more complex rhythm and pitch sequences. These activities are then used as an aid in sectional rehearsals.
Social
A long break in the afternoon allows for sports and games and evening activites include quizes, games and parties. Special attention is given to make sure that all members, especially new members, are joining in and enjoying themselves.
And of course, just like NYC, the NYTC has a ‘Cabaret’ at the end of the course, where members share their party pieces and sing, dance or act.
