Opportunities in the UK

This page includes a selection of opportunities for musicians throughout the UK

NUT Music for Youth Competition

To mark 40 years of Music for Youth (MFY) and 140 years of the National Union of Teachers, schools are being offered the chance to win an all expenses paid trip to the Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall and a visit from an experienced MFY Music Mentor to help develop music making in the school.

To have a chance to win simply download and fill in a copy of the application form describing the music activities that are taking place in your school, any ideas you have for developing these, and how you might use a day visit from a mentor to your school.

The Schools Prom takes place on 8-10 November 2010. Nine schools can win a place and a day with a Music Mentor. Applications are particularly encouraged from schools who have never participated in Music for Youth events or who are at the early stages of developing musical activities within their school.

The closing date for applications is Monday 20 September 2010.
mfy-flyer-6pp-a5-6770.pdf (906.3 KB)

National Children's Orchestra

The auditions to join the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain will be held this autumn in a variety of venues across the country including Oakham on 19 October, Felsted on 25 October, Kimbolton on 26 October, London on 17th and 24th October. Percussionists can audition in Oakham.

There are five age banded orchestras: -
Main and Under 13 Orchestras
Under 12 and Under 11 Orchestras
Training Orchestra

Membership is by audition only. Children must be aged between 7 and 13 inclusive on 1 April 2011. Auditionees must prepare two pieces of music no longer than five minutes each and must differ in style and speed. If an accompanist is required, the auditionee needs to arrange this. Candidates should also feel comfortable with sight reading and expect to play two short passages. Auditions last about 15 minutes and are filmed.

There is a charge to audition - £25 for all applications received before 30 September, rising to £30 for all later applications.

For further information and an application form please visit National Children's Orchestra

The National Children’s Choir of Great Britain

The National Children’s Choir of Great Britain was founded in 1998 by Lissa Gray. Her vision was that talented young singers from throughout the United Kingdom would have the opportunity to work together and enjoy making music under the guidance of inspired teachers.The NCCGB has grown from one single choir for children aged 9-13 to an organisation encompassing both Junior and Senior Choirs. Children enter from the age of 9; girls stay with the Junior Choir until they are 15, boys move into the Senior Choir when their voices change. During each Junior Choirs course, the Main and Training Choirs both work as separate entities and combine for some pieces. They also divide into smaller groups, to enable the singers to work as boys’ and girls’ choirs, and in chamber groups.
There are currently 140 members of the Junior Choirs and 38 Senior Choir members. Auditions are held in the autumn in a number of centres throughout Great Britain. At the end of November/early December candidates are informed by letter whether or not they have been successful.
NCCGB courses are held twice each year, during the Easter and summer holidays. All courses are residential and we visit a variety of boarding schools, trying to alternate between ‘north’ and ‘south’ years. In 2010 we are in West Sussex and Malvern, Worcestershire, and our 2011 Easter course will be held at Shrewsbury School, Shropshire (details of summer course to be confirmed). At the end of each course there is a concert, often open to the public, where the children present the work that they have achieved. There is also the opportunity to tour: in 2004 NCCGB visited Australia & New Zealand, and in 2008 Canada and the U.S.; details of a European tour in 2012 are currently being finalised. Future plans include the opportunity to appear in public concerts between courses.

Choir members are expected to attend all courses unless unusual circumstances prevent this.
We try to keep the cost of courses as low as possible; this year it is £410 per course, which includes everything except a small amount of pocket money (max. £5) for tuck. NCCGB has a bursary fund from which awards are made at varying levels, according to need; we are not currently able to give full bursaries.

In NCCGB the children enjoy the experience of living and working with other singers, both choir members and staff, in choir rehearsals and during the two individual singing lessons timetabled for each child during the week. Life is not all work, however, as there are two recreation periods each day during which a variety of activities is offered. Friendships are made that continue throughout the year, and even after the child has left the choir.

For further information about the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, or to discuss any of the above, please contact us by e mail: phone:07894 021279 or see our website: www.nccgb.com.
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audition-application-10.doc (522.5 KB)

Music and the Deaf

DEVELOPING ACTIVITIES AND ENSEMBLES USING ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS WITH DEAF CHILDREN

Music and the Deaf is delighted to offer a training workshop for musicians, music tutors, orchestras, Music Services, Teachers of the Deaf, Communication Support Workers and anyone else with an interest in music and deafness.

Find out:-

• how Deaf children can access and enjoy
musical instruments—on their own and in groups

• how to use musical terms with Deaf children, for example
through British Sign Language

• more about music and deafness through discussions with
experienced deaf musicians including a member of the Deaf
Youth Orchestra

• how you can use your skills and work in partnership with
Music and the Deaf in their ground breaking National Deaf Youth Orchestra Project

The event will be led by Danny Lane, Education Projects manager and founder of the West Yorkshire Deaf Youth Orchestra.

Date: Wednesday 29th September 2010 Time: 1—3 pm

Venue: Camden School for Girls
Sandall Road
London
NW5 2DB

For more information and to book a free place please contact:
Danny Lane (Education Projects Manager)
Tel: 01484 483 115
Email:
www.matd.org.uk / deafyouthorchestra