Congratulations to Isabelle in Year 5 who has been offered a place with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain (NYCGB), having auditioned earlier this term after reaching the minimum qualifying age. Isabelle, who auditioned via Zoom on a school day earlier in the term, said, “When the auditions were first announced, I was still in Year 4 and too young, but the actual date of the auditions were after I’d joined Year 5, so I could audition for them! I think I must be one of the youngest. Before my audition, Mrs Maalawy, the new Singing teacher, kindly gave me some tips which were really useful.”
Camille Maalawy, who took over the post at The Mount this term, said, “I think Isabelle is just the sort of person and voice the NYCGB would love to have.”
Isabelle had performed Singing In The Rain for her audition and the NYCGB assessors told her, “You talked about how you’re always singing, and your enthusiasm was really clear. You really expressed the happiness of the song with a wonderful energy.”
The NYCGB has five choirs, including the Girls’ Choir, which is divided into Junior and Senior sections which rehears and perform both independently and on shared courses. Auditions for the National Youth Girls’ Choir junior section open from Year 5 upwards.
Isabelle’s proud parents broke the news to her at home after school by giving her the offer letter to read. She said, “I was so happy, I was yelling and dancing around. I honestly didn’t think I’d get in at the time but if I hadn’t got in this time around I was just going to try again next year.”
Rachel Capper, Head of The Mount Junior School, said, “I am delighted for Isabelle. We were all thrilled when she told us her news about the NYCGB choir. She truly does love singing. When the opportunity arose to audition, she had the confidence to give it a go and now has access to this wonderful programme with children from across the entire country. Isabelle’s attitude toward the audition process is mature for someone her age; having an approach that she’s willing to have another go next year shows us all the importance of resilience. We are all so proud of her and her marvellous achievement.”
The Mount Junior School has a solid reputation in the performing arts. Year on year, the entire cohort undertaking London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) examinations has achieved 100% Distinctions. Even during lockdown, girls have enjoyed developing their performing arts skills through the school’s outstanding Creative Curriculum and are currently preparing to film their Christmas production which will be broadcast for parents later in the term.