Children's Chorus

The Youth Company provides children and young people aged 8–21 with exciting opportunities to further their musical education and talent through the support of a professional opera company. Expert training and guidance, provided through weekly rehearsals, enables children and young people to develop outstanding vocal technique, musicianship, and performance skills, whilst making new friends and developing a life-long love of singing and drama. Members also work with professional directors and movement specialists to develop skills in drama and stagecraft.

Participants are asked to measure their own Speaking and Listening skills using the Framework. Opera North adapt self-reflection resources to highlight how learners can progress in the skills. They breakdown skill steps into ‘stepping stones’ to make skill-development and reflection accessible to all levels of ability. The icons for Speaking and Listening appear on the reflection sheets used in sessions.

         Staff use the Skills Builder names and icons, building familiarity among the young performers and plan creative activities designed to help learners master the stepping stones. The skills are highlighted in relation to the creative task or rehearsal objective. During feedback, the Framework and its consistent language is referred to, in order to identify effective Speaking and Listening.

                  Staff use examples of creative work from sessions, questions and reflections to help participants reflect on their progress. They also help participants understand how Speaking and Listening skills will apply to careers and the world of work.  Participants complete a written and practical survey, reflecting on their skills progress at three points in the academic year.