STUDENTCONDUCTOR

2015

The Bursary

The National Youth Choir of Scotland wishes to provide a unique opportunity for a suitably

qualified conductor to develop or consolidate the conducting skills and rehearsal techniques

necessary to conduct the the flagship NYCoS Choir, National Boys Choir (NBC) and

National Girls Choir (NGC) in rehearsal, and where appropriate in concert. The successful

candidate will work closely with NYCoS Artistic Director and Conductor, Christopher Bell

and the team of NYCoS vocal and choral coaches. Previous recipients of the bursary

include Andrew Nunn and Christopher Barr.

National Youth Choir of Scotland The National Youth Choir of Scotland is one of the country’s leading choirs, regularly

described by press and audiences as “outstanding”, “thrilling” and “dynamic.” Formed in

1996, the basis of its activities is a seven-day residential course in Edinburgh (5th–11th July

2015) where the repertoire for the year is learned. Singers are between the ages of 16 and

24 and number anything from 80–120 depending on repertoire and availability of singers.

The course is a mixture of sectional and tutti rehearsals.

“But the real thrill of that concert lay in the choir itself: I have seldom heard [Mozart] Requiem

delivered with such sensational attack and vibrancy.” Michael Church - The Independent

(BBC Proms 2014).

The National Boys Choir (4th–9th April 2015) and National Girls Choir (12th–17th April

2015) provide similar activities for singers in the age groups 10–16.

What is involved?

The Student Conductor will meet with Christopher Bell prior to a residential course to prepare

and study the repertoire. Then (s)he will be expected to attend one of the residential courses

for whichever choir is chosen. During this time, the conductor may take some sectional

rehearsals under the guidance of a sectional coach, and also take some of the tutti rehearsals

under the guidance of the Artistic Director, where appropriate. The student conductor may

also conduct a piece during a concert. Support and feedback will be provided to ensure

successful development.

Term

It is envisaged that the post would last for one residential course; in 2015, up to three posts

could be offered. Candidates may have a preference as to whether they work with SATB,

or upper voice male/female choirs: discussion of this will form part of the interview process.

Candidates Qualifications

The post will suit a music graduate with conducting qualifications or previous conducting

experience, who wants to improve rehearsal technique and conducting skills in a high-level

youth choral context.

Remuneration The bursary is £400 for one residential course – in addition, all food and accommodation

will be provided during the course, and reasonable travel expenses paid.

Application Process Candidates should send a CV to Student Conductor, NYCoS, The Mitchell, North Street,

Glasgow G3 7DN or email jobs@nycos.co.uk by 12noon on Monday 5th January 2015,

complete with references and, where possible, video evidence of concerts or rehearsals

conducted.

Following receipt of application candidates may be asked to audition. The audition

requirement will be to rehearse a short piece of music with a group of singers, and then

perform it at the end. This will be followed by a short interview. Auditions/interviews will be

carried out on Saturday 31st January 2015 in Stirling and will be conducted by Christopher

Bell, Morag Campbell (NYCoS CEO) and an external assessor.

Christopher Bell

Belfast-born Christopher Bell is the Artistic Director of NYCoS. Alongside that he currently

holds posts as Chorus Director of the Grant Park Chorus (Chicago) and Chorusmaster of

RSNO Junior Chorus and Edinburgh Festival Chorus. Christopher has received the following

awards: a Scotsman of the Year 2001 for Creative Talent, the Charles Groves Prize in

2003 for his contribution to cultural life in Scotland and the rest of the UK, an Honorary

Masters Degree from the Open University for Services to the Arts in 2009 and an Honorary

Doctorate of Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2012 for his contribution

to the performing arts in Scotland. In 2013, Chorus America awarded Christopher the

Michael Korn Founders Award for Development of the Professional Choral Art.

The National Youth Choir of ScotlandThe MitchellNorth Street

Glasgow G3 7DN

Tel: 0141 287 2856 Fax: 0141 287 2858 e-mail: admin@nycos.co.uk

www.nycos.co.uk

Scottish Charity No: SC024899 Registered in Scotland No: SC165149