NYAW Journey – From Choir Member to Trainee Producer

Almost 10 years ago, I was gearing up to attend my first National Youth Training Choir of Wales residential course in Monmouth. It was my first residential experience, and I was really nervous. So nervous that I almost didn’t go.  

Now 10 years later, 7 residentials under my belt, and better control of my nerves, I can proudly say that I am Trainee Producer for the National Youth Theatre of Wales. 

My first few years in the Training Choir were integral to the development of my skills as a chorister and a musician, and it was here that I learnt how different choral singing was to being a soloist. Suddenly, singing the loudest or highest wasn’t seen as ‘impressive’, and after a few rehearsals I learnt the meaning of a mysterious word – blending. This new skill would see me through countless choirs over the years and allow me to truly appreciate the music I was making with others. I found that this also had a positive effect whilst working with collaborative pianists, creating much more balance and companionship within performances.  

This residency was also the first time I had been away from home for a week, which came with its own challenges and lessons in responsibility. I would love to be able to say that I was sensible enough to get enough sleep each night, but the novelty of sharing a dorm with 4 others was far too exciting! In hindsight, I would recommend getting enough sleep as possible… 

Graduating to the National Youth Choir of Wales was a big step. I was still young, just 16, but I felt that I was being treated as a professional. Not only were the days longer and the music harder, but the expectations as young adults to be punctual and disciplined were heightened. However, along with this came a bigger sense of community and belonging. Working day in and day out to shape together a varied programme of styles and languages quickly became a privilege and helped create unbreakable bonds that have developed into life-long friendships and connections across the country. Now wherever I go, I will always see a familiar friendly face at every work project or event, which shows that NYAW really does produce and nurture the future talent of Wales! 

Megan Jones

During my time as a Choir member, I was fortunate to have worked with some incredible conductors – including Carlo Rizzi, Tim Rhys-Evans, and Nia Llewellyn Jones who was hugely inspirational to me, stepping into a role that I had typically seen occupied by men. Each have taught me things that have positively impacted the way I perform, but more importantly the way I think about music. Understanding text is now my priority with a new piece, regardless of language. Interestingly, English is often the hardest to decipher and needs the same amount of dedicated time and detail as any other language! 

Conductor Tim Rhys-Evans, who has been conducting the choir since my first year (and still going!) was a huge influence in my exploration of music as a career. I had never considered applying for conservatoires until he convinced me to give it a go at my 2019 NYCW Audition. I’ll forever be grateful to Tim for introducing me to the possibility of a career in the arts and opening the door to study a degree in Bachelor of Music in Vocal Studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. 

“I feel immensely grateful to NYAW for providing me with these opportunities to grow and succeed”

The Choir also led me to take part in some amazing opportunities, such as performing numerous commissions, including Brian Hughe’s ‘Sorrows of the Somme’ written to commemorate the Welsh soldiers killed in the battle for Mametz Wood. Another favourite was performing at Principality Stadium to open a Wales v England Rugby match, where we won! Perhaps the Welsh team needs the support of the NYCW again?  

However, the highlight of my time in the Choir was the collaboration between the Choir and Orchestra back in 2018. We performed Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms in some incredible venues across Wales, including Hereford Cathedral, St David’s Cathedral and St David’s Hall, and still is the grandest piece of work I’ve ever had the pleasure of working on. It was also my first experience singing with an orchestra, which although deafening, was unlike anything I had ever experienced before! It gave me the chance to gain a new skill and prepared me to begin the more daunting task of solo work. 

When I left the Choir in 2023, it was hard to deal with the fact that I had lost something that had been a part for me for years. I was so lucky that the following summer I was invited back to perform in the 40th anniversary concert as part of the Alumni Choir – performing alongside friends, tutors, staff and a whole host of incredible individuals who have been impacted by the NYCW. 

In the same year, I also had the pleasure to volunteer and become course assistant for the Assemble project, yet another new experience for me to gain skills and explore a different career path in the arts. This project was a key stepping stone in gaining experience and confidence in my skills and ultimately gave me the final push I needed to apply for the Trainee Producer role. 

In my short time of being in the role, I’ve already experienced and learnt so much about the work that goes into producing the residencies, and my past experiences as a member have been invaluable to making decisions and reflecting on what changes I wanted to see as a member. In terms of skills, my confidence in my Welsh Language skills have improved significantly through the bi-lingual ethos of NYAW, as well as the notable improvement in my IT skills through the nature of my role. I’ve already experienced the joy of the 2025 audition tour, and I am counting down the days until I get to experience the residency from a Producer’s perspective. 

Reflecting on the last 10 years, I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved, and I feel immensely grateful to NYAW for providing me with these opportunities to grow and succeed. It’s clear that the remarkable opportunities and experiences I have been offered have led me to the role of Trainee Producer and they will help me continue in my professional development for years to come  

Here’s to the next 10 years, wherever they take me! 

Blog written by Megan Jones, NYAW Trainee Theatre Producer