The National Youth Choir of Australia

How good do I have to be to sing in NYCA?

The members of NYCA come from a variety of different backgrounds. Typical NYCA members sing with the better amateur chamber choirs in Australia, are the better young singers from community and university choirs, and/or are graduates of selective high-school choirs such as the ANCA National Honour Choir. Some members are professional musicians with extensive vocal training, while some have had little or no formal vocal training. Competent sight-reading ability is expected, as is good pitch and tone control. If in doubt, audition!

What is a typical season like?

Intensive. Fun. Rewarding. Exhausting. Seasons generally last between seven and ten days, and you should expect the first performance to happen within three days of the first rehearsal. When it is finalised, the schedule for the coming season will be posted on this site. In the mean time, the best thing is probably to ask an existing member what a recent season was like.

What's in it for me?

The best way to answer this question is to talk with a NYCA member. However, if you don't already know a member of NYCA who can tell you their experience, here are just a few things that singers have gained from past seasons:

• Improved sight-reading
• Stronger ensemble skills
• The thrill of presenting a high standard concert only days after the first rehearsal
• Interesting and talented new friends
• Experiences of a different city or country
• Improved vocal technique
• New warm-up and rehearsal techniques for choral conductors and music teachers

How much does it cost?

NYCA charges membership fees to cover the costs of each season. Costs vary with the particular season program. The cost of the 2008 season will be between $650 and $700 per participant. This fee includes:

• accommodation
• bus travel for the tour (more than 2000km)
• two meals a day (on average)
• all costs associated with performances, music hire, etc

but does not include

• transport to and from the Northern Territory prior to/after the season
• one meal per day (on average)

Anyone who auditions successfully for NYCA but finds the cost prohibitive is encouraged to seek sponsorship. Several past members of NYCA have had their costs partially or fully subsidised by a sponsoring organisation. If you choose to seek sponsorship, please feel free to contact the Artistic Director or the Convenor for a letter of support from NYCA, so that potential sponsors will know what they are helping you to attend!

How do I get my music?

Music will be posted to all members prior to the season in order for singers to learn their music. This usually happens several weeks before the beginning of the season.

What preparation will I be expected to do?

Due to the tight rehearsal and performance schedule of a NYCA season, singers are expected to arrive at a season ready to rehearse at a near-performance standard. You should at least be comfortable with all the notes in your part, but it's even better if you can get together with other NYCAns in your home city to prepare with other parts.

Where will I be staying?

When the season is in just one city, NYCA tries to accommodate singers with local billets when possible. However, when touring or when billets are not available, choristers and staff generally stay in backpacker or similar accommodation to keep costs down.

What do I need to bring?

In addition to what you take on any trip, you will need the following:

• Performance clothes: all black, long sleeved shirts and pants for men, at least three-quarter-length sleeves and long skirts (mid-calf or longer with black stockings) or long pants for women.
• Black folder: any black folder which you can use to hold A4 and foolscap music is acceptable. However, you will be standing and holding music for a full concert, so a high-quality choral folder is a better idea. We recommend the Deluxe Black Folder, which can be bought through Allans Music (allow 10 days to order from Allans, or ample shipping time to order direct from the US).
• If you are to be billeted, a gift for your billets.
• If staying in backpacker accommodation, a towel.