The success of the Academi residential course is truly remarkable. Year after year, a group of ambitious young men commit to a week’s intensive residential training course, nurturing and developing their skills, showcasing their talents and pushing themselves to new heights with long days of workshops, masterclasses and singing lessons. The recent residential week at Moreton Hall, Oswestry, was no exception, as the boys worked tirelessly and truly came out of their shells.
At the Academi, the boys receive music theory lessons, private singing tuition with Aloud Choir Leaders, group workshops, movement and choreography sessions, and stage presence techniques. This year’s Director was Michelle Richards, from the Performance Centre in Cardiff.
The planning of the Academi course started in January, and following audition days around Wales (1 in Carmarthen, 1 in Aberystwyth, 1 in Llandudno and 2 in Cardiff), with 27 of the most dedicated boys offered a place. These included three ‘Section Leaders’ who are OBA Alumni and who have attended the Academi in previous years.
Each year, the Academi course features a Masterclass, led by a vocal professional. In the past we’ve welcomed former OBA member and ‘It’s a Sin’ superstar Callum Scott Howells, and ‘Everyone’s Talking About Jamie’ Director Jonathan Butterell.
This year we welcomed the hugely talented Tom Hier, an OBA Alumni and graduate from Guildford School of Music, most famous for playing Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK tour) and Chris in Miss Saigon (International tour). As well as fantastic musical tips and a fascinating singing session, Tom taught the boys a dance routine from Footloose, which was both engaging and lots of fun!
Having spent an intense week learning all the repertoire and choreography from scratch(!) the boys performed two sell-out concerts:
1. Criccieth Music Festival on Sunday 21 July, which featured Jess Robinson as a guest soloist. Jess is a professional Choir Leader at Aloud and Wales Singer of the World finalist in 2023.
2. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on Monday 22 July. At this performance we were delighted to welcome renowned Soprano and Aloud Ambassador Rebecca Evans.
This year’s repertiore featured:
- If Ye Love Me, Tallis
- Cantique de Jean Racine, Fauré
- In Musico Modulamine, Karl Jenkins
- Dirait-On, Moreton Lauridsen
- Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn, Traditional
- Pantyfedwen, M.Eddie Evans
- And Can It Be?, Dan Forrest
- Danny Boy, Traditional
- Howdidow Deediddleumday, Traditional
- TaReKiTa, Reena Esmail
- Seize the Day (from Newsies), Alan Menken
- A Rogers and Hammerstein Medley
One standout moment was the opportunity given to a section leader, Caleb Mock, who conducted the choir having recently graduated from studying Music at Durham University. His incredible talent and progression through OBA highlights the impact that this program has on its participants.
Overall, the success of the Only Boys Aloud Academi residential course is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of these young men. Their growth and development through music and performance is truly inspiring, and it is clear that the future holds great things for these talented individuals.
You can watch highlights of the concert on the Only Boys Aloud YouTube channel, and download a full live recording of the performance in Cardiff using the button below.
