|
Within an intensive, instructive and enjoyable week of singing, there are classes in sight-reading, aural tests and consort singing, and advice on choral scholarships is given a high priority. As well as the choral music which is central to the course, students receive individual singing lessons from resident teachers who are experienced specialists of the developing voice. Lessons are also given in Alexander Technique, enabling students to improve self-awareness, reduce tensions and risk of injury, use energy more efficiently and improve musical performance. The main emphasis of the courses lies in the choir made up of all participants, so spaces have to be limited to about 20 sopranos, 12 altos and counter-tenors, 12 tenors, and 16 basses. Mezzo-sopranos are asked to sing alto in the choir. |
|
Close Harmony Students are also divided up into groups of 10 to form consort groups. Here, the music performed can vary from a motet to close harmony 'barber shop' format. An emphasis is placed on sight-reading which, regardless of ability, will improve very quickly. The consort group work culminates in a workshop in which each group performs a close harmony arrangement often with choreography and props. Most students who attend the courses will have sung with a choir for a few years, or may have had singing lessons; many will be able to play a musical instrument to a reasonably high standard (Grade V or VI, for example), although this is not a requirement. There is no audition, but a confidential reference from a singing teacher or director of music is an essential part of the application form. |
|
Tutors It is testament to the strength and renown of the courses that so many musicians at the top of the profession are willing to give up their time to teach. There are twelve full-time members of staff, and four visiting staff each week. The courses were set up in 1980 by Ralph Allwood who is Precentor and Director of Music at Eton College. He has conducted choral courses in Taiwan, Sydney, Barcelona, Harvard University, Boston, Kansas, Utrecht and Vancouver. Alongside this he is a choral advisor for Novello and Co and for the Voices Foundation, and a judge for the Choir of the Year Competition and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. He usually directs four of the six courses. Other directors include Ben Parry (Director of Music St. Paul's School, London), Mark Shepherd (Director of Music, Charterhouse) and Bob Chilcott (Principal Guest Conductor, BBC Singers). In recent years full-time singing teachers have include Margaret Humphrey Clark, David Lowe, Anita Morrison, Robert Rice, Sue Walters, Alan Watt and Peter Wilson. |
|
Organists The courses provide a unique opportunity for organists to develop their accompanying experience by working with an excellent choir under expert guidance. They also have their own sessions on repertoire, improvisation and other keyboard skills, and gain valuable insight into singing techniques from the singing workshops and master classes. Although organists are welcome at all courses, the third is specially recommended as the ‘Organists’ Course’, with more accompanied repertoire and a resident tutor, David Goode. |
|
© Eton Choral Courses 2008 |
|
Eton Choral Courses |
|
Evensong The choir concentrates on preparing music for two Evensong services, one of which is usually sung on a visit to an Oxford or Cambridge College Chapel, recently to King’s College, Cambridge (directed by Sir David Willcocks), University Church, Oxford (directed by James Burton), Westminster Abbey (directed by James O’Donnell) and Worcester Cathedral. One course broadcasts evensong live on BBC Radio 3, another Sunday Worship on Radio 4. Music for evensong consists of an Introit, Responses, a set of Canticles (Magnificat & Nunc Dimmitis), Anthem and Hymn. Audio tracks of music sung on courses in 2005 can be found on the evensong recordings page. The full choir is rehearsed and conducted by the course director. In addition, eminent outside choral directors are invited to rehearse the choir. In recent years these have included Stephen Cleobury, David Hill, Adrian Lucas and James O'Donnell.
|
|
Accompanists and Observers Each course can also accommodate two accompanists and two observers, especially adults who would like to extend their knowledge and experience of choral work. These people must find their own accommodation.
|
|
Gap Year Work If you are looking for gap year work as a teacher or singer, please go to GAP page of the Music Masters’ and Mistresses’ Association website: www.mma-online.org.uk or the Royal School of Church Music on their website: www.rscm.com. In particular, Princeton, New Jersey in the USA, are looking for two countertenors, two tenors, and two basses for next year. Contact Tom Whittemore at Trinity Church, Princeton. whittemoret@trinityprinceton.org |
|
"From small beginnings, the annual courses have gained real place in Britain's musical life. There has always been much praise for the standard of tuition offered and for the pleasant atmosphere. Additionally, the public concerts and broadcasts have added to the renown of the choirs." Sir David Wilcocks |
|
‘I’ve made friends that will last’ |
|
Accommodation This is in Eton College, Dean Close School, Cheltenham, St Peter’s College, Oxford and Trinity College, Cambridge. At some venues it will be in twin and triple rooms. All meals will be provided on all courses. Most courses will end with a barbecue on the last evening. |
|
American Course Following its successful debut in 2007, Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, USA, will be running a choral course in July 2008. Inspired by the Eton Choral Courses, the course offers a co-educational choral programme and organ week for grades 9-12.
|