Antonia, a Music Scholar in the Lower Sixth, is a longstanding member of the choirs of Downe House and has sung in both the award winning choirs, Polyphonix and Prima Voce which were crowned the winners of the Barnardo’s Youth Choral Competition in 2018 and 2019. Staff in the Music Department at Downe House could see her talent and potential and suggested that she should audition for the National Youth Training Choir (NYTC) which offers young people the best choral training possible, including opportunities to develop performance and music skills to the highest level alongside equally gifted young singers from across the UK. To everyone’s delight she has now been offered a place for 2021.

Commenting on the news, Antonia said, ‘My Music Mentor at Downe House, Miss Holmes encouraged me to apply and she really helped me with the interview preparations. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the auditions took place over Zoom this year in the form of an interview and some singing tests, such as sight singing and range testing. I found the process quite nerve racking, but all the staff were lovely and made me feel as relaxed as was possible. I was thrilled to be offered a place and am looking forward to the courses which will take place over the Easter and Summer holidays of 2021, and are hopefully going to go ahead in person.’

Congratulations to Antonia and we look forward to following her progress.