National Children’s Choir of Great Britain opens applications

The National Children’s Choir of Great Britain (NCCGB) has opened applications for auditions to join its choirs, which are open to any child age 9-19 who loves to sing. Auditions will take place in November. Successful candidates take part in two choral courses per year, spending a week in Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire. Interested parties should sign up via the NCCGB website.

Auditions are scheduled for London (2 November); Tiverton (3 November); Birmingham (9 November), Lincoln (9 November); London (16 November); Manchester (16 November); London (30 November). Participants will be asked to sing a short song from memory with an accompaniment, take some aural tests and complete sight-singing exercises. The process should last around 30 minutes including warm-up time.

'One of the most striking things about the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain is the friendly, nurturing and inclusive environment, ' said Nicole O’Donnell, NCCGB chief executive. 'It’s a very happy place. Our members speak fondly about the freedom they feel to truly be themselves, and to share their love of singing with like-minded individuals.

'We are looking forward to meeting potential new members at our auditions in November, and we’d encourage any child who loves singing to sign up – our fantastic conductors have a great deal of experience of helping children navigate on-the-day nerves, encouraging them to be the best they can be. We are not necessarily looking for the “finished article” – we are looking for potential, passion and a desire to learn. We welcome applications from children and young people from all backgrounds.'

Successful applicants must be able to attend the Easter course (13-19 April).