National Children's Choir of Great Britain - any experiences

[Michaelahpurple]

Am looking at the NCCGB for my 10 year old son but don't know anyone whose child has joined it. Can anyone provide any colour, whether as a singing teacher or parent of a member?

It is so hard to assess these things from the outside - is it v hard to get in/ are the courses fun/ pastoral standards/ is it well thought of etc

Any thoughts gratefull received!

Oh, and might it be easier to get into than than the National Youth Choir?

One of my choir members sang in it. I went to their end of course concert and I thought the standard was poor, considering they audition kids from all over the country. This was over 10 years ago though, so it might have improved. The younger choirs of the National Youth Choir are more highly regarded or, if he likes sacred music, the junior Eton Choral Courses also have an excellent reputation.

There is less competition for boys to get into the national youth choir at ten than for girls. We investigated it for ds a few years ago, but the cost was prohibitive. There are buseries if your family is on benefit, but we were I the squeezed middle.

If you don't mind religion then the a Royal school of church Music choir gives a great training at low cost.

Thank you very much. Have also been looking at the Eton course so a useful reference. He has got into the NCCGB, buy am trying to decide between it and the Eton one (haven't heard front the Youth choir yet.
None of them are cheap of course!