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Green Choir – (Year 8 – Year 10)
The Green Choir offers a challenging programme of work. The members must have a good sight-reading ability, a keen ear and a well-developed sense of choral discipline. A high level of focus is needed in their rehearsals, during which emphasis is placed on retaining their vocal technique and posture in order that the voice is not harmed by physical lack of strength and stamina. An integral part of the choir’s training is discussion of the emotional content and the meaning of the words, in order to facilitate communication with the listener. It is also important that the members can work as a team, listening to each other and being aware of other parts, and the harmonic structure of the music. The pieces are often ‘a cappella’, and confidence is built as these are performed.
Entrance into the Green Choir is by audition, or upon the recommendation of the conductors.
The Green Choir is led by Stuart Overington, who is known for his energetic and engaging approach to training young voices.
‘Thanks so much to everyone involved in running NCCGB. XXXX had such an amazing time. He absolutely cannot wait until he comes back in August.’
Parent of child in Green Choir
Our members come from throughout the UK, from a wide range of musical backgrounds.
Stuart Overington
Green Choir Conductor
A choral director and vocal leader, Stuart Overington is known for his energetic and engaging approach to training young voices. He took up the role of Green choir director in January 2019. He is also Director of the Hallé Youth Choirs in Manchester, Chetham’s School of Music Chamber Choir and the Royal Northern College of Music’s Symphony Chorus and Chamber Choir.
Stuart studied at the Royal Northern College of Music as both a singer and conductor. Whilst there, he performed in operas and concerts including roles in their production of Monteverdi’s Il ritorno d’Ulisse and as the lead character ‘Bobby’ in Sondheim’s Company. He has performed as soloist with the RNCM Big Band and Symphony Orchestra and appeared at festivals including the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and London Jazz Festival. As a freelance artist, he has worked for numerous creative organisations including the BBC, Manchester International Festival, Royal Exchange Theatre, Opera North and The Royal Opera House.
Stuart has also had a number of songs commissioned for school singing with many being published in the Boosey & Hawkes bestselling series Singing Sherlock.
Audition for the NCCGB
We meet twice a year for week-long residential choir courses, one during the Easter holidays and one during the summer holidays. We also run workshops in schools, and choir tours abroad.
Membership of NCCGB is by audition only. Auditions take place in the autumn.
We accept new choir members who would be at least 9 years old when they join their first Easter course. We expect choir members to attend every course, unless there is an unusual event, for example a family wedding.