Do you know a boy who loves to sing?
Please tell him, his parents or grandparents, teachers, and friends that the NBCA is holding informal preliminary auditions for boys in Grades 1 and 2 at schools across Greater Melbourne soon.
If his school hasn’t been contacted and permission sought, and there are boys who love to sing at that school, the principal or staff can invite the NBCA to attend.
“We’ve tried to contact all primary schools, but we could have missed some. Encourage the potential chorister to ask his music teacher about auditions. Otherwise, the boy could register online for an audition at nationalboyschoir.com.au/events/intake-auditions/ or just phone the office, 9872 4480,” says Andrew Bainbridge, Artistic and Administrative Director, NBCA.
Mr. Bainbridge says the audition process is not scary nor cause for concern.
“It’s easy really. It takes only about 15 minutes at the school and we work in small groups. Boys may be asked to sing a verse of ‘Happy Birthday’, clap a rhythm or copy some pitch-matching exercises.
“If we think the boy has ‘chorister potential’, we’ll invite him to another audition at our premises in Ringwood on August 26 or October 28. If there are boys out there who love to sing, we want them in our choir.”
Established in 1964, the choir consists of about 200 boys aged between seven and 15 years. New choristers enjoy a two-year training period before being promoted to the Performing Choir. The boys receive excellent vocal, musical and stagecraft training in a supportive and friendly environment. There are also many outstanding performance opportunities. Besides NBCA concerts, the choir performs at Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve and has sung frequently with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia and the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic.
“Because we are the NATIONAL Boys Choir of Australia, we tour regionally, interstate or overseas every year. In fact, the Performing Choir is touring Queensland in September and the Young Men’s Choir will be heading to Japan in early 2024.”
And if you’re wondering what happens when a boy’s voice changes, he can either retire from the Performing Choir or accept an invitation to join the Young Men’s Choir, which was founded in 2020.
“This means they’re still part of the NBCA. They can keep singing through their voice change and continue their musical training. If you want to see how it all works and sounds, come along to the NBCA’s Winter Concert on July 22 at the Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University, Clayton. Tickets available www.monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/winter-concert-2/ ,” Mr. Bainbridge said.
For more information about Auditions or to arrange an interview, please call:
Julie Foster
Media, NBCA (0409 433 501) OR 9872 4480
Key Facts:
* Auditions are now being held for the NBCA
* Boys can audition at their school - ask at your school about when auditions will be held.
* The NBCAs Winter Concert will be held on July 22 at the Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University.
* Next year will mark the SIXTIETH anniversary of the NBCA.
Contact details:
NBCA's Media Contact: Julie Foster 0409 433 501 or 9872 4480
NBCA spokesperson: ANDREW BAINBRIDGE, Artistic and Administrative Director NBCA -
0437 191 437
