Who are we
Milton Keynes Youth Choir, under the guidance of David Kirby-Ashmore, has become Milton Keynes premier young Vocal ensemble gaining first place in their section of the Milton Keynes Festival for the last four years – currently competing at Choirs under 6th form level.
The choir has recorded four CD's, one of Christmas Music, the second including songs from the film 'Les Choristes' of which they gave the UK premiere, the third on their 10th Anniversary in 2007 and finally last year Vivaldi’s Gloria and Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater .
The choir now in its 12th year was founded with a grant from the National Lottery; the choir originally shared its Musical Director [John Gibbons] with the Milton Keynes Chorale and to this day with whom we maintain close ties.
Since becoming Musical Director in 2001, David Kirby-Ashmore has challenged the members with a wide-ranging repertoire that has included Britten's Ceremony of Carols, Chappell's The Daniel Jazz, a concert of Opera Choruses, Vivaldi’s Gloria and Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater as well as songs by The Beatles, Glenn Miller and Abba plus Folk Songs, Sacred music and songs from around the world, amongst these pieces they have sung in Latin, French, German and of course English.
Qualitatively, the choir continues to make great progress and successfully continues to tackle quite demanding music. The over riding consideration in terms of repertoire is that the vocal range and style is appropriate to the safe development of young voices. We sing regularly in two and three parts and sometimes in four. The choir is open to young singers from age 8 to late teens. Entry is by a friendly audition in order to establish the ability to sing comfortably in tune and then to determine which vocal part is most appropriate. Regular re-appraisal means that singers move section as their voices develop.
What we do
I like performing in concerts and making new friends - Poppy
It’s great fun and I like the songs we sing. - Orson
I like learning new songs and spending time with friends. Amy.
It’s my weekly therapy; singing with the choir cures any stress and gives me a new sense of energy. At the same time it gives me focus. I’m lucky to be in a choir that, after 8 years, is a wonderful relaxation but still challenges me. - Anna
It teaches me a lot about music. My singing with MKYC has helped me with my singing grades and helped me improve my singing. I have learnt a lot about singing and all aspects of music in the past 5 years. - Sophie
Although it’s a Youth Choir we sing mature things and I enjoy the challenge. - Jenny
I love to sing all the time, my favourite song is ‘Like an Eagle’ and David is the best teacher ever.
We do some really interesting songs and when we have combined the parts together and made each and every piece perfect, we sound amazing and you feel proud about what you have achieved.
All the voices together make such a lovely sound and I am proud to be part of it. Sophie
I’ve learnt loads about theory which has helped with my piano playing and it’s fun. - Caroline
You get to meet a wide range of people and sing songs just as diverse. - Ione
It has given me a great opportunity to meet and work with some great talent in some really fantastic venues. It’s my favourite time of the week. - Charlotte
You meet new people and because everyone can sing you feel really comfortable. - Kiera
You can sing your heart out and enjoy something serious as well. - Issy
I like learning new songs and seeing all my friends. - Natalie
It gives me the opportunity to make lots of new friends and to be able to brush up on my singing skills. - Ruth
I’ve been coming for so long and yet it still excites me and makes me very happy. Thanks everyone! I love MKYC! - Emma
