Repertoire for changing adolescent voices

The Emerging Voices series presents a selection of engaging short pieces tailored specifically to the needs of changing or 'cambiata' adolescent voices. The songs have been commissioned from experienced composers in the field, with the aim of developing voices safely while also immersing singers in a range of styles and texts. Progressive in difficulty, from simple two-part songs to four-part arrangements, this series will inspire young performers at a pivotal juncture in their journey into the world of singing.

• Engaging short pieces tailored to the needs of changing or ‘cambiata’ boys’ voices

• Original compositions and arrangements by composers with experience of writing for changing voices

• Pieces that are progressive in difficulty, from simple two-part to four-part arrangements

• Material that introduces a wide range of styles and texts while developing voices safely

• Repertoire suitable for boys’ choirs, but can also be sung by mixed voice youth choirs. 

In these charts C4 represents middle C, with B3 being the note just below, and C5 the octave above.

Two part voicing for boys

Full range

Comfortable tessitura

F#3 – F#4

Cambiata

G3 – E4

Baritone

D3 – A3

A2 – C4

Three part voicing for boys

Full range

Comfortable tessitura

F#3 – G4

Cambiata I

A3 – F4

Cambiata II

G3 – D4

E3 – E4

Baritone

D3 – A3

A2 – C4

Memorable years, formative years: why do boys stop singing in their teens?

Martin Ashley is currently editor-in-chief of the research journal of the Association of British Choral Directors, having retired as Head of Education Research at Edge Hill University in 2013. Trained as a middle school music teacher, he worked in a variety of school settings before moving to the University of the West of England, gaining a post-doctoral fellowship for musical learning and boys’ understanding of voice. An AHRC funded collaboration with the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain and University of York resulted in significant outputs on “cambiata” and the adolescent male voice. He has published widely on singing during early adolescence, working with a paediatric specialist on the timing of puberty and voice change. He has published work on historical trends in puberty, Tudor pitch and the sixteenth century mean voice. His most recently published book was Singing in the Lower Secondary School for OUP, and his forthcoming book is Dead Composers and Living Boys.

Andy Brooke is a composer, arranger and school teacher. As well as having taught music throughout the age range from nursery to post-16, he has delivered music workshops to adults and children, directed a number of children's and community choirs, as well as teaching children with special educational needs and disabilities. Andy's passion for choral composition stems from his belief that something magical happens when we sing together, and that we should all have opportunities to sing in our lives.

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