In September 2006, the RSNO Junior Chorus, with generous support from the Gannochy Trust, started a choir for boys with changing voices. It will continue the fine RSNO Junior Chorus traditions of singing and musicianship taught in a lively and fun way. The staff will include Christopher Bell as Director and Christopher Breckenridge as vocal coach.

Christopher Bell would like to invite boys whose voices are changing [or have changed] to apply to join the choir. Please complete and return the attached form. This choir is unique in Scotland, in that it provides the opportunity for young people to work regularly with Scotland’s national symphony orchestra.

Aims of the Choir

The aim of the choir is to encourage boys to continue singing as their voices are changing. Studies have shown that careful singing through the changing process allows boys to develop and maintain a healthy singing technique. The RSNO Junior Chorus staff is experienced in working with boys with changing voices, as well as identifying the correct repertoire and singing styles needed to create enthusiasm and commitment.

Musicianship

Members of the RSNO Junior Chorus learn to read music, and to establish good pitching ability and a good ear using the Kodály Method (a plan for young singers developed in Hungary by the composer and teacher Zoltán Kodály). Musicianship sessions take the form of small groups working on pitching and rhythm games and are followed by a full singing session. Principles of sol-fa and musical notation are introduced. The period of a boy’s voice changing is one that needs careful handling to allow boys to establish pitching ability for the second time.

History

The RSNO Junior Chorus was formed in 1978 by Jean Kidd, who over a period of 17 years established it as one of the finest children’s choirs in the country. Since 1994 it has been directed by Christopher Bell, who has expanded its membership to almost three hundred and divided it into three separate choirs, with members aged from 8 right up to 18. As well as performances with the RSNO during its main season, concerts have been given for the BBC and the choir regularly appears at the Edinburgh International Festival.

Rehearsals

The choir meets one evening per week, on a Monday from 6.30 – 9.00pm, during term time, in the RSNO Centre, 73 Claremont Street, Glasgow G3 7JB.

Concerts

The RSNO Junior Chorus undertakes a variety of concerts, some as part of the RSNO Season with the Orchestra and others as independent concerts and presentations. The Changed Voice section will take part in the winter and summer presentations.

Award Scheme

The RSNO Junior Chorus uses a unique award scheme developed by the National Youth Choir of Scotland to chart the progress of the members of the choir and give them goals to work towards. The award scheme is divided into Bronze, Silver and Gold. Members will be tested informally on things like pitching, sound production, solo singing and simple theory. Members who join the Changed Voice section from the Junior Chorus can continue on the scheme. Members who have not been part of it before can start when they join. New members should not be deterred from applying if they have no experience of the scheme.

Conductor

The RSNO Junior Chorus is directed by Christopher Bell, one of the UK’s leading choral directors. As well as his work with the RSNO he is conductor of the Belfast Philharmonic Choir, Chorus Director of the Grant Park Chorus in Chicago and is Artistic Director of the National Youth Choir of Scotland. Christopher is also the Artistic Director of Children’s Classic Concerts.

Staff

The Junior Chorus staff currently number seven and are highly qualified to work with young singers. Two pianists, a singing teacher and four music staff are currently employed, and to start the Changed Voice group a further three will be employed.

For further information please contact:
Christine Walker
RSNO Chorus Manager

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