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Lexi Greenwood, member of our Pastoral Team and a previous NCC Scholar tells us of her experiences.
How long did you sing with NCCGB?
I sang with NCCGB from when I was 10 years old when I started in the Yellow Choir, until I finished Senior Choir when I was 18 years old. Now I am a member of the pastoral staff. Many of our pastoral staff used to sing in the choir.
What happens on an NCCGB course?
A lot of fun and memorable moments! You start off with most of the choirs coming together for a joint warm up, surrounded by a space full of music and excitement! You practise new pieces with your choir and have a blast doing some recreational activities such as swimming and disco nights.
Not to mention the food! It’s especially fun when it’s someone’s birthday because we all get to celebrate together.
At the end of the week, you get to perform to not only all the choirs, but your parents and peers. The energy coming from all the choirs is infectious and it is a wonderful ending to a great week.
What is the best thing about NCCGB?
One of my favourite parts of the course is the friendships you make. Staying away from home can be very daunting but you really do become a family unit. You are surrounded by the most incredible musicians and human beings; the environment is so inspiring and encouraging. I have made lifelong friends and memories during my time with NCCGB.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about joining NCCGB?
It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, NCCGB is my safe haven where I can be myself and make music with my friends. It’s not only made me a better musician, but a better person.
What have you learnt during your time with NCCGB?
My theory knowledge has come on leaps and bounds after joining NCCGB, it’s a space where I’ve made countless mistakes and that’s completely okay!
My confidence in myself and my musical ability has also grown, I have the NCCGB staff and my friends to thank for that. I was fortunate to be the offered the choral scholarship and have done some solos over the years.
The only reason I had those chances is because I took the leap of faith to get there – never forget you are capable of anything when you work for it!
Any other thoughts or comments?
I can’t thank the choirs enough for all they have done for me, no matter what has happened in life outside of NCCGB I always look forward to the week away to make music and cherish my friends. I got to travel to China, perform in the fringe festival and gain some amazing memories along the way.
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.