Congratulations to Aled (S1), who has been awarded a place in the NYCOS National Boys Choir. This highly selective ensemble comprises a small group (18 in 2025), which draws young singers from across Scotland to perform at an exceptional level.

This marks Aled’s fourth successful audition for the choir. He first joined in 2023, despite being officially a year below the usual age requirement at the time.

In 2026, Aled will continue to combine his commitment to the NYCOS National Boys Choir with his place in the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. He is one of only a very small number of Scottish boys to have successfully auditioned for both choirs and will attend residential courses with each ensemble during the year.

Aled said: “The NYCOS National Boys Choir is one of the highlights of my year. I love going away to sing with other boys who enjoy singing as much as me. I have made some great friends who I look forward to seeing each year. NBC allows me to sing a really wide range of music, including some pieces in other languages and in lots of parts that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to sing. 

“At NYCGB, I am often the only person from Scotland, which makes me feel very proud to represent my country at a GB level. The choir is much larger than when I sing with NYCOS, which is a different challenge to blend my voice with such a wide range of other voices from all over Great Britain. 

“I feel very lucky to be able to sing with both choirs and am very grateful to my singing teacher, Gillian Jack, and to Mrs Massie at school for all the opportunities they give me. I have been singing in a choir at school since I was in P3, when I joined Infant Glee, and started having singing lessons with Gillian when I was in P4. I am privileged to hold an Adele Sande scholarship at the North East of Scotland Music School, which allows me to have regular singing lessons with Gillian.

“Singing is my absolute passion, I often get told off for singing when I shouldn’t be, and singing with both NYCOS and NYCGB is a wonderful opportunity to get even better.”

Mrs Massie, Head of Creative Arts, shared: “Aled’s musical journey through the school has been exemplary. From his early involvement in Infant Glee, through the P4/5 and P6/7 choirs, to his current role as a dedicated member of the S1/2 Vocal Group, he has consistently demonstrated commitment, discipline, and artistic growth. His successful auditions for both the NYCOS National Boys Choir and the National Youth Choir of Great Britain represent an outstanding achievement and a clear testament to Aled’s musical ability and maturity. Aled’s confident participation in singing demonstrates the significant impact of boys’ vocal engagement, fostering both confidence and enjoyment while inspiring his peers. I am immensely proud of his achievements and am confident that he will continue to make a valuable contribution to the Senior and Chamber Choirs as he progresses through the school as well as the wider Creative Arts Department.”

Dr Lynn, Parent, added: “We are very grateful to Mrs Massie and her team for all the choral opportunities he has had at school, which, together with his singing tuition from Gillian Jack at the North East of Scotland Music School, form the foundations which allow him to sing at a national level.”