A pupil at King William’s College has been invited to join the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain after an audition in Manchester.

Year seven pupil Evan Darroch, from Port St Mary, will attend a residential course in Oxfordshire in April 2018 having been selected for the National Youth Boys’ Choir in its treble section.

Evan’s audition in October took place at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. He performed in front of a panel, which included Ben Parry, Director of the NYCGB, singing two songs, ‘Trade Winds’ and ‘Scarborough Fair’ (unaccompanied), and had some musicianship tests.

‘I was very nervous in the audition in Manchester, but Mr Parry was very friendly and I actually enjoyed it as a result,’ said Evan, who is a member of the Chapel Choir at King William’s College and sang in the choir when he attended The Buchan School. ‘I was thrilled to find out that I had been accepted and I can’t wait to sing with the choir in April!’

Choir members are expected to attend two residential courses every year. Evan’s first will be at Tudor Hall School in Oxfordshire, with the second at Ashville College in Yorkshire in August. Each course culminates in a concert showcasing the choir’s talents.

Steve Daykin, Director of Music at King William’s College, said: ‘We are thrilled for Evan. He is a member of our Chapel Choir and a talented singer, and it’s a great achievement to be selected for the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain. The Boys’ Choir is for trebles and boys whose voices are changing, who sing in the specialist ensemble called Cambiata Voices. We look forward to hearing about his time on the courses.’

Residential courses are at the heart of the NYCGB, and choir members are led by some of the UK’s top conductors and teachers, developing choral skills, individual vocal technique and musicianship. Rehearsals happen throughout the day in sectional groups, working on individual and ensemble sound and blend, creating different sounds and styles, and building performances that incorporate choreography and movement. Choir members receive dedicated musicianship sessions as part of the daily schedule. The Choir performs at venues around the UK, including the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Photo - King William’s College pupil Evan Darroch, who has been invited to join the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.