Page 5 - BYC Christmas Concert 2016

Artistic Director
Mat Wright
Vice Principal at Horizon CC.
Advanced Skills Teacher and Music Advisor.
Founder and Musical Director of Barnsley Youth Choir - now ranked 7th in the world rankings.
Represents GB on the international Jury for INTERKULTUR festivals and competitions that included the World Choir Games in Russia 2016.
A clinician supporting choirs in this country and abroad.
Led workshops in International Festivals and Competitions to choral directors and singers from across the world.
An award winning arranger and composer and was commissioned to write a piece that was sung by 8500 children.
MD for a large number of Musical Shows.
Musical Director
Luke Mather
A Conductor, Singer and Composer based in Manchester.
Graduated with a First Class Music Degree from the University of Manchester.
Conducted the University Chamber Choir Ad Solem, The Cosmo Singers and Manchester University Chorus.
Assistant Musical Director of the Senior Choir of Barnsley Youth Choir, Director of Bolton Chamber Choir and founded Icosa Chamber Choir that performs around GB.
Conducted the choir of Holy Name Church, Manchester.
A singer with the National Youth Chamber Choir of Great Britain.
Sung solos on BBC Radio 3 and at the City of London Festival with the group.
Accompanist
Rob Cooper
Graduated with First Class Honours degree in music from the University of Manchester in July 2015.
Performed as part of the Manchester-based 'Cosmo Singers', whilst studying accompaniment.
In his final recital accompanied Luke Mather.
A talented Composer, Arranger and Musical Director.
Studying for a Master's degree in Composition in Manchester University.
Was Musical Director and Arranger for 'No Horizon the Musical', which was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.
A Grade 8 Pianist.
A Grade 8 Bass Guitarist.
Musical Director for Les Miserables, Godspell, 9 to 5 and other musicals.
was met with gasps and bemusement but it has really helped to provide direction and focus. This first performance will galvanise the team and our members will learn so much from it.
The challenge with over 250 members has been around the logistics of running the choir – the music itself is relatively easy. I have worked hard to enlist the support of a new volunteer team, separate to BYC, which will drive Barnsley Singers forward. Around 40 people have come forward and are an impressive team with potential to make this
an outstanding organisation. A new Chair, Secretary and Treasurer have
been appointed during the last 2 weeks and we have adopted a new constitution and opened our own bank account. There is so much to do but some brilliant people have come forward and I’m confident that, as their roles develop, more and more will be possible.
What is the future of the choir? First and foremost it’s about ensuring that people enjoy coming together to sing. The atmosphere in rehearsals is so positive and enthusiastic and we mustn’t take too much on too quickly. The team of directors will sit down in January and meet to discuss long-term plans with the choir. We want to be inclusive, accessible but
also strive for excellence. We want members to be really proud to be part of the choir and proud of the sound that they and others make.
Who knows where this could lead... Perhaps a choral festival abroad, fundraising for local charities and good causes and partnerships and collaborations with high quality choirs and organisations. We can’t predict the direction of travel. What I am sure of is that it’s going to
be an exciting journey and I leave rehearsals feeling refreshed and renewed by the spirit and enthusiasm of this brilliant team.
Barnsley Youth Choir Christmas Concert Weekend 2016
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