NYCC Alumni Feature - Jamie Hillman

Have you ever wondered what happens after the NYCC program? Where do the singers go, how does this experience impact their lives? The NYCC Alumni Committee is happy to share one such story. Dr. Jamie Hillman, alumnus of the 2002 choir, shares some reflections on his time spent singing and learning with the National Youth Choir. 

• What led you to audition for NYCC? What were you doing at that point in life?
  I was a member of NYCC in 2002, under Lydia Adams. It was an incredible experience - one that I'll carry with me forever. The conductor, vocal coaches, and manager of the Ontario Youth Choir (the summer prior) nominated a quartet of singers to represent Ontario in NYCC. I felt fortunate and honoured to have been chosen by the staff. I remember really wanting to be chosen, so I made sure that I contributed my best in rehearsals, coachings, and sectionals.
  
  At that point in my life, I had just finished the first year of my undergraduate degree in Music Education at Western. I had caught "the choral bug" by this time and was starting to connect the dots as a young musician. Everything that I was learning in university - studies in voice, piano, theory, music history, pedagogy, languages, diction, etc. - all came together and made sense to me through choral music. This was a pivotal time in my life. I was starting to think like a conductor.
  
  
• What are you doing now? How is choir still a part of your life?
  ​Choir is my life. My voice teacher in high school made me audition for the Ontario Youth Choir when I was 16. I haven't looked back since experiencing that first taste of singing quality, challenging, and diverse choral repertoire, surrounded by a few dozen talented friends who were equally passionate about music.
  
  Last month I started my new role as Director of Choral Studies and Elmer Iseler Chair in Conducting at the University of Toronto. Prior to this, I conducted choirs and taught conducting/choral pedagogy at several schools (junior high through graduate school) in Boston. In addition to my university work, I frequently travel to guest conduct, adjudicate festivals, and give workshops for choral conductors.
  
  My wife and I are also raising our two elementary school-aged sons. There's never a dull moment!
  
  
• What is your favourite memory of NYCC?
  I have a couple. I loved the compelling and contrasting repertoire that Lydia Adams selected for us to learn and perform. I remember a concert at which we sang "The Reproaches" by John Sanders. Everyone - audience, choir, and conductor - seemed to be deeply moved. I remember the look of satisfaction on Lydia Adams' face at the end of the piece and how she repeatedly mouthed "Thank you! Thank you!" to us as the audience applauded thunderously. This transcendent moment is etched on my mind.
  
  I also remember when NYCC was the demonstration choir for the Leslie Bell Prize in Choral Conducting, held that year at U of T. I remember singing (Daley and Raminsh, I believe!), marveling at the conductors who were competing, and hoping that one day I'd be in their shoes.
  
  On a less reverent note, a funny and embarrassing memory comes to mind when I think of NYCC. It happened on the tour bus. (I probably shouldn't share it in this forum!)
  
  
• What advice do you have for anyone thinking of auditioning?
  Audition! Audition for any and every experience that will challenge you as a musician. When I look back over my studies and career, there are opportunities that I missed out on because I was either nervous or felt that I wasn't good enough. In NYCC you make music at a very high level and meet interesting and wonderful people from across our vast country whom you might never meet otherwise. You form deep and lasting friendships from being together 24/7 during the rehearsal residency and tour. The experience will change your life. Audition. 

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Are you an NYCC alumna/us or know someone who is? Connect with Alumni committee here, or email [email protected] for more information.

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