Liverpool Philharmonic Training Choir & Melody Makers
Directed by Lucy Griffiths, Freelance Conductor / Vocal Animateur and Assistant Director of Music at the University of Warwick, the Training Choir and Melody Makers give children opportunities to develop musically, artistically, and socially.
The Training Choir offers children aged nine to 12 years a comprehensive programme of choral training with a focus on basic musicianship, vocal training, choral discipline and choral presentation across a wide repertoire. After two or three years in the Training Choir, children are then well equipped with the necessary vocal skills and musicianship to cope with the demanding repertoire in the Youth Choir. Several community performances are held each year, usually at Christmas and during the summer term.
The youngest group, known as Melody Makers, are seven to nine years old. This elementary level choir aims to give instruction in basic singing techniques, musicianship skills and ensemble singing, with occasional performance opportunities.
Through an innovative partnership programme with Liverpool Hope University, children in both ensembles receive tuition in general musicianship from students studying for a PGCE in Secondary Music.
Listen to the Training Choir sing Dodi Li
Listen to the Training Choir sing Foggy Birthday Shuffle
Rehearsals
Rehearsals take place weekly with extra rehearsals scheduled in the lead-up to performances. Workshops with leading choral experts are held during the year, and there is also an annual weekend residential course for the Youth Choir.
We are grateful to Liverpool Hope University for providing rehearsal space for the choirs at their Cornerstone campus.
Auditions
Entry to all choirs is through informal audition. Auditions are usually held in the summer term, but, depending on the choirs’ performance schedules, there are opportunities to join at other points in the year. In the audition, you will be asked to sing a song of your own choice and do some sight singing and ear tests. All exercises are just to determine your level of experience, so do not be deterred from applying if you feel your sight-singing is weak or your knowledge of the choral repertoire is not very broad. Once you have been accepted for an audition you can call the office to discuss the process in more detail if you have any concerns.
Fees
Membership is £40 annually. Residential course fees, uniforms, and musicianship books are additional. In cases of exceptional financial hardship, bursaries to help with these costs can be awarded.
Additional Benefits
Members of the choirs also receive a discount card, which enables them to purchase tickets to most Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts for £2. Members of the Youth Choir also have the opportunity to undertake work experience at Philharmonic Hall.
Accompanist Scholarship
The choirs’ Accompanist Scholarship offers a young pianist the chance to experience the world of professional music. Applicants should have reached a high standard of playing (ABRSM Grade 6-8) and be keen to develop accompanying skills. The scholarship runs from September to July and includes three piano lessons each term and an honorarium of £500 per annum.
For more information please email education@liverpoolphil.com or call 0151 210 2895.