Page 17 - 16165 BYC Spring Concert Program 2023

It feels like the start of a new era for the Senior Choir. We have been so fortunate to have really talented long-standing members involved, supporting and nurturing younger members as they move up from the Intermediate Choir.
Many of these members have now moved on and, whilst we will really miss them, we are left with a group with vast potential. They have been starved of international festival and competition experience through the Covid period, but I feel confident that if they really apply themselves, they will become one of the finest groups the choir has ever had.
There is a real strength in depth and there is an appetite to tackle increasingly challenging music. I would personally like to thank the 4 section leaders; Hannah, Charlotte, Gorgey and Tom who are cornerstones of BYC and have worked incredibly hard to support the choir through challenging times. They have now been formally joined by a new team of section leaders (20 in total) who are listed at the back of the programme, with a clear remit; to ensure that the Senior Choir becomes the best it can possibly be in all aspects of choir life.
This is about inclusion, commitment, dedication, passion and friendship, but ultimately, it’s about the standards they set themselves and their sections.
Luke, Sam, Gareth and Rob are simply stunning in their support of the Senior Choir. I cannot imagine that there is another choir with a team so skilled
and capable, but also so invested and committed to the young people that they serve. Hugh, Christine and Mel offer superb support as registrars which is a challenge as numbers have swelled to over 130 singers.
I’d like to pay tribute to this group’s resilience, good humour and work ethic. Rehearsals rarely finish on time (actually, never...) and they rarely have a break. They never complain, and always give their very best recognising that it is such an honour to wear the blue t-shirt and be part of this fantastic choir. They are simply a joy to work with, and I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to work with them all.
Mat Wright Artistic Director
Musical Director
Mat Wright
Deputy Musical Director
Luke Mather
Deputy Musical Director
Sam Gilliatt
Accompanist
Gareth Taylor
Accompanist
Rob Cooper
Soprano Leader
Hannah Todd
Mezzo Leader
Charlotte Bentley
Alto Leader
Gorgey Bennett
Tenor / Bass Leader
Tom Masters
Registrar
Mel Harding
Registrar
Christine Hayhoe
Registrar
Hugh Ritchie
Barnsley Youth Choir Senior Choir
BYC Senior Choir (14-24 yrs)
Thursday 6.45pm – 9.00pm Barnsley Sixth Form College SPRING CONCERTS 2023
P17