Forget the X Factor. If you’re between 16 and 30 and want to learn more about singing, the answer is on your doorstep. The 180-strong Harrogate Choral Society has announced a repeat of its Internship Scheme, offering free membership and teaching to up to 10 young singers from September 2012 to July 2013.
While you might not get to spend a week in a house with Gary Barlow, what you do get is invaluable one-to-one and small group lessons from the Music Director, Andrew Padmore and Deputy Music Director, Marilynne Davies, both of whom have been teaching and mentoring young people for many years.
Harrogate Choral Society’s Music Director, Andrew Padmore, with intern Susanna Hitchen
Andrew Padmore, Music Director of Harrogate Choral Society said:
The scheme is designed to encourage younger singers who haven’t yet had the opportunity, to experience the thrill of singing major choral works in a large and highly successful choral society with professional orchestras and soloists.
One of this year’s interns, soprano Susanna Hitchen, a teaching assistant at St Aidan’s School said:
I’ve benefited enormously from the scheme and from the one-to-one teaching from Marilynne. She’s helped me develop my singing technique a lot and thanks to her help I’m about to take a high-grade singing exam.
Explaining who the society is looking for, Marilynne Davies added:
Of course some musical ability is needed but it’s important for anyone interested to realise that they don’t have to be a fantastic solo singer in order to apply for a place on our scheme. What we really want is young people who enjoy singing and want to develop a skill that will stay with them through life. Like most choirs, we could always do with more tenors, but all voices will be welcome!
Another of this year’s interns, counter-tenor, George Longworth, who will be leaving the choir after June’s Diamond Jubilee concert to take up his place at Queen’s College Cambridge, says, “I’ve really enjoyed the year and whole experience. I particularly wanted to improve my sight-reading and develop my repertoire. Andrew has helped me with both these things and has introduced me to smaller lieder pieces that are outside the main works.”
The closing date for applications is Friday 25 May 2012. Auditions will be held on Wednesday 11 July 2012.
You can find out more about the scheme and download an application form from www.harrogatechoral.org.uk/internship
