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About us

How we're organised

We have a dedicated steering group of experienced volunteers who meet regularly to ensure the smooth running of the choir and will support members on all aspects of choir life.

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John Rowland

Musical director 

I’ve been singing on stage since I was five years old, following in the footsteps of my mother and grandmother – I didn’t need any encouragement so it just must be in my genes!

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When I was 19, I began my classical training with the renowned Ken Ormston.  Ken had an impeccable pedigree having trained at the Royal School of Music in the Bel Canto style from the likes of Joseph Hislop and Professor Cox. I trained with Ken for over 10 years until his untimely death which left me bereft and I almost gave up singing. Time passed, I kept singing and since then I’ve been asked to perform as guest soloist at concert venues across the country as well as here in the North East. I’ve included a few examples: 

  • Five years as principal soloist at the Salute Our Heroes Concerts at Hall One of Sage Gateshead

  • For 11 years a principal soloist at the Festival of Remembrance Concert at Durham Cathedral

  • Principal soloist with the Massed Bands of the RAF at De Montfort Hall, Leicester

  • Principal soloist at a Help for Heroes Concert at the Apex Theatre – Bury St Edmunds

  • Principal soloist at the Queens Diamond Jubilee Tattoo – Sunderland

  • Principal soloist for several special charity events at HMS Calliope for The ABF: The Soldiers Charity

 

Having previously held an MD role with another choir, I chose to reach out to my friends with the view of creating a brand-new choir in which our ethos of support, wellbeing and quality musical and vocal education could be at the heart of everything we do and give us the opportunity to promote positive mental health and raise money for good causes.

Chairperson

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Mel Davis

I have had a passion for music from a very early age, singing and playing the guitar and clarinet. Like Giz, I used to sing in a band as a teenager. 

 

Over the years I have sung in many choirs and some fabulous venues. 

I’m currently active in 3 choirs since leaving my job in banking after 43 years.

Treasurer 

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Sarah Mullen

I’ve loved to sing from the age of seven, when I took part in all school productions and joined youth theatre groups.

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I have performed in many different productions, but found that  singing was the passion. I also love to throw on a pair of dancing shoes and can’t stand still when I hear music.

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Choir is my place, where I can feel empowered and learn some amazing skills along with having a good giggle. 

Membership & engagement secretary

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Barbara Wells 

I’’m probably the least experienced in the choir, having only sang in an adult choir since August 2021, however I did sing in church and school choirs many years ago!

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I have learnt so much in that short time and love to sing, the choir is my happy place, I hope it’s yours too!

Wellbeing mentor 

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Giz Beadle

Hi, my name is Gislaine, but most call me Giz (it’s a bit easier). As a bit of background, I’ve been singing since I was a little girl. Never professionally - mainly to get myself out of trouble with dad and make him smile. 

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But singing is something I’ve always loved, and never had the confidence to do until I was older and wiser. Since then, I’ve sung in a couple of local bands and still do.  Great fun by the way. As is choir. 

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This is my second choir, and one which is close to my heart, run by like-minded lovely people. My work background is an emotionally supportive role, and my motivation within our choir is to support the wellbeing of our members - to be someone to talk to confidentially or otherwise.

 

There is a saying regarding a cup half full or half empty – I’m neither – I’m a cup full to the top all the way…

Media and communications

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Kelly Shutler 

I’ve always loved to sing and have been part of school choirs, a youth theatre and a number of community choirs.

As a musical theatre fanatic, songs from the musicals are definitely my favourite to sing, but I also love the challenge of a more classical piece.

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Although I’ve sung with choirs for a long time, it’s only been in the last two years that I’ve developed my singing technique, guided by John, and I’ve started to sing more confidently… although I still don’t feel quite ready for a solo spot just yet!

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In Fortissimo, I look after our social media and the choir’s website. I’m also the resident tech expert for all things social media, website, and GDrive.

Logistics support & equipment

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Roy Davis

If something needs moved, plugged in, printed, you name it, it’s likely me that does it. I am here to help in any way I can.

 

I got involved with a choir because Mel, my wife (chair) has been involved for many years. I used to take her to the choir practice and sit at the back of the room. The choir was about to perform and I was asked if I wanted to join in. I only knew one of the songs, albeit the soprano lines after listening to Mel practice!

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I’m still not perfect in my singing but I give my best. To quote Morecambe and Wise  - “I’m singing all the right notes… just not necessarily in the right order!”

Our repertoire 

We want to have a range of music styles as part of our repertoire. As we're new, we are limited at the moment but our members are putting in so much hard work, we know it won't be long before we have a lot more in our collection.

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We sing a mix of song from musicals, traditional styles and pop music.

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Our current song list is:

  • The Lord is my Shepherd (Howard Goodall, Vicar of Dibley theme)

  • Rhythm of Life, from Sweet Charity 

  • Seasons of Love, from Rent

  • From Now On, from the Greatest Showman

  • Proms medley, including Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem 

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