For those with the time and inclination a smaller group perform as 'Progeny' at our concerts. Under Guy's tuition, Progeny are able to learn more complex music and as such provide variety to our concerts. Rehearsals are held on alternate Wednesday evenings and a fee is payable for membership of this group. Speak to Guy for more information.
What type of music do Progeny sing? This is totally up to the members. Each term members put in requests that Guy goes through, to check their suitability. A list is then drawn up (half classical, half popular) and Progeny vote on one or two pieces. By being a Progeny member, you are more likely to have your request chosen as the number of people voting is smaller.
When do Progeny rehearse? Progeny rehearse fortnightly on a Wednesday evening from 7:15 – 9:15pm. Rehearsals are at Strode’s College in room AW04 (Almshouse West).
What is the cost of joining Progeny? There is an extra fee to pay of £40 termly (£120 per annum), however your first rehearsal with Progeny is offered free of charge as a taster.
Is there an audition for Progeny? Yes there is, please see below.
How do I join Progeny? If you’d like to come along for a taster session you can speak to Guy at a NES rehearsal, email him, or speak to Chloe Spencer (the Progeny Administrator).
Songs sung by Progeny to date include:
A Clare Benediction (Rutter)
Adam Lay Y'Bounden
Africa
Bohemian Rhapsody
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Cantique de Jean Racine (Faure)
Carry The Spark (G Bunce)
Fields of Gold
For The Beauty Of The Earth (Rutter)
Gershwin Showcase
Glow (Eric Whitacre)
Howard Goodall's Theme Academy
How High The Moon
Jingle Bell Rock
Lacrymosa from Eternal Light Requiem
Locus Iste (Bruckner)
May The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Rutter)
Now Is The Month of Maying
Oklahoma Medley
Oliver Medley
Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
Phantom of the Opera Medley
Seal Lullaby (Eric Whitacre)
Somewhere Only We Know
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Tears in Heaven
The Lamb (Taverner)
The Pink Panther
We'll Gather Lilacs
West Side Story Medley
There is an audition process to become a member of Progeny as outlined below. Guy can provide more details.
a range test (to aid with section divisions) - for example singing a few scales
at auditionee’s choice either: 2a, a short sight singing test (around Grade 3 level); OR 2b, a short piece of music to learn from rehearsal track and score. The materials for each option are to provided below for you to download are prepare
a short audition piece chosen by the auditionee (up to one verse and chorus (around 1 minute)
a harmony exercise (a short extract from a current NES piece to be sung against another part). Pick a short extract from a piece in the current NES repertoire that you are comfortable singing and where there are at least two different voice types singing. Sing your part and Guy will sing another part against you.
For part 2, you can download the resources here (you only need do one test from each option):