Widening Young Male Participation in Chorus

There is a welcome resurgence of interest in youth singing, visible in the government funded campaign spearheaded by 'singing ambassador' Howard Goodall. However, this enthusiasm is marred by widespread recognition that young males may be significantly under-represented and a strong case can be made for addressing the gender imbalance in singing. Additional effort at boys' inclusion is justified not only to ensure future availability of adult male singers but at least equally by the demonstrable social and educational benefits of engaging more boys in an activity that will promote their well-being. Evidence indicates a further imbalance in social class and need to widen participation. A clear relationship has been demonstrated between educational opportunity and the misperception that the youthful, high voice is 'weird' or 'unnatural'. Confusing messages are also given to young boys by popular TV shows. The research shows a particular need to educate junior choir leaders, including primary teachers, about the capability of the young male voice, to provide enhanced opportunity to exploit it and above all, to provide younger boys with appropriate role models of singing by older boys and young men.

The key aims;

Develop a supportive infrastructure through which any boy, regardless of social background or circumstance, can be enabled to progress in choral singing

Provide clear role models of singing as an enriching activity for boys that counter negative stereotypes

Educate those who work with junior age children about the young male voice and the difficulties faced by boys who enjoy singing

Further enhance understanding of the 'missing males' syndrome in singing by knowledge exchange between expert researchers and practitioners

The National Youth Choir of Great Britain has the potential to realise the aims detailed above through the intermediary role of two large university faculties engaged in children's workforce development. The NYC maintains a Northern and Southern choir for ten to fourteen year olds to nurture voices until they reach an appropriate standard for the National Youth Training Choir. The Northern choir would be linked to the lead institution, Edgehill University, and the Southern choir to the University of the West of England. These can provide a venue and focus of activity for networks of junior choirs. Advanced technical development for the project will be provided the University of York. Each region would address the question of how the previous research results can be used to create networks and events that nurture boys' singing through role models. It is possible to draw on a successful pilot scheme already developed by the principal applicant through the Choir Schools Association. This indicates that key roles for the NYC are:

To provide advice on eclectic, high quality repertoire to nurture junior voices to audition standard

To provide boy singers as role models through an interactive e-book

To provide young male leaders to refine performance at regional events

The key roles for the HEIs are:

To maintain networks of junior choirs committed to the project

Create two key resources to be used and support teachers in their use (an e-book on the young male voice and supporting web pages, using boys from the NYC)

Facilitate and host regional events

A detailed evaluation of every stage of the project that will provide significant new research data of high value to choral practitioners will be a key function of the lead HEI. This structure dictates a two year life cycle for the project. Year one: identification of the repertoire and recording of this during NYC courses (held twice a year); production of the e-book and demonstration material. Year two: regional meetings of leaders for training/distribution of the e-book; use of the materials in junior choirs; regional singing days and concerts to celebrate and showcase success.