This project has been produced by Edge Hill University and the University of York, in collaboration with the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.

It was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council to realize the following 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 the understanding of the “missing males” syndrome in singing by knowledge exchange between expert researchers and practitioners.

Boys and young men from NYCGB have been filmed, both performing and in discussion sessions with voice experts.  Other short films have been produced which use advanced graphic animation techniques to show how voices change and develop during puberty.  To these have been added further short films of other boy role models, ranging from an emergent rock star to the choristers of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.  Finally, schools which have engaged with these materials have been filmed as case study examples for other schools to follow.  A digital interactive book which is designed primarily to be read by boys in their own time and space has also been produced to permit more reflective study.  The “D-book” is written in accessible language and includes further examples of singing recorded by members of NYCGB, a range of .pdf files which relate to the contents of the films and links to relevant YouTube clips.
To ensure effective impact, a regional network of lead schools that will encourage the formation and development of boys’ choirs has been developed.  Edge Hill University has devised a one day training pack for schools that wish to join the network.  This includes

• An overview of how to make the most effective use of the project materials
• In-service training for music teachers on boys’ vocal development and arranging music for 11- 14 year old male voices
• Training of older pupils (aged 15+) as “singing ambassadors” to work with boys in primary schools
• Advice on how to progress in singing, including how to audition for NYCGB

Choirs that offer good singing opportunities are being invited to associate themselves with this network and a key role for schools will be to nurture the process of interested boys progressing to more specialised training and performance opportunity.