FRANK SMITH      CONDUCTOR (MUSICAL DIRECTOR)

Frank, a proud Yorkshireman, has been associated with the choir for over 50 years and over 40 years as conductor. Frank’s father Jack conducted the choir for 10 years and Frank sang under his direction as a choir member. When Jack retired, he passed the baton to his son (no pun intended), and young Frank, by means of innate musicianship and a steely determination to get things done to the very highest standard, led the choir to unprecedented success. Forty years later he continues to uphold these high standards, his drive and resolution undiminished.

 

JOHN TAYLOR     ACCOMPANIST AND DEPUTY CONDUCTOR

A good choir needs a dependable accompanist, and John, another Yorkshireman, has played that role to perfection for more than 35 years. As well as accompanying the choir on piano and organ, John accompanies both soloists from the choir and guest artists, often professional singers. The choir is fortunate to be able to call on John’s musical abilities not just as accompanist, but also as a more than competent deputy to Frank

 

IAN HARGREAVES  TREASURER

Ian is a retired teacher from St Theodore’s School in Burnley. At that time the school had a student who later became an Opera  Star. His name was Sean Ruane.
A native of Rossendale, Ian is a relatively recent member of the choir – anyone who has been a member for fewer than 15 years is regarded as a new member – and has rapidly established himself as a prominent member of the bass section and a solid committee man.

 

KEN HOLLAS  SECRETARY

Ken, one more Yorkshireman, crossed the border to enlighten poor benighted Lancastrians. A former choir Chairman, he has been a bass in the choir since 1979.
He is also Chairman of at least two other organisations and deems his other responsibilities  too numerous to mention, He just gets on with it. A master organiser.

 

DUNCAN READ  PRESS OFFICER

By profession Duncan is a Chartered Valuation Surveyor.

He has been a member of the Tenor Section for over 30 years, and presently is the choirs Press Officer and Editor of the Clarion newsletter. A man of quiet disposition, Duncan has a good sense of humour, which has been shown in recent editions of the Clarion. His considered opinions at committee level are rarely challenged and is a great asset to the choir.