The choir is now led by a new MANAGEMENT TEAM, this will no doubt propel us into the next chapter of our history with dynamic project based projects being fostered and delivered to a rolling 3-4 year plan. Our Music Team curates the repertoire and leads rehearsals and performances. Additional vital groups include the Section Leaders and a dedicated Library Team. Adding to our charm is Bridie, the beloved Alsatian Guide Dog of our Baritone David Newsham, who adorably joins us at rehearsals and performances.
The Choir’s Support Structure
The Executive Committee
Trustee Chair – Jono Gregory (he/him)
Jono serves as the Leading Trustee of the choir organisation (named ‘the Chair’ for charitable purposes), overseeing Choir Development Strategies, Charitable Status and leading the Management Team. Alongside his administrative responsibilities, Jono lends his voice as a First Tenor, enriching the choir’s sound with his vocal talent.
Trustee Vice Chair – John Matthews (he/him)
John plays a pivotal role in the choir, acting as a Vice Chair Trustee guiding projects towards the 3-5 year plan and charitable purposes. Beyond his administrative responsibilities, John is a Baritone in the choir.
Trustee Secretary – Howard Lloyd (he/him)
Howard takes charge of administrative records, ensuring that all necessary documentation is organised and up-to-date. He serves as the main point of contact for communication within the choir, effectively relaying information to members and handling correspondence with other choirs and organisations. Alongside his administrative duties as a Trustee, Howard lends his voice as a Bass, enriching the choir’s harmonies with his deep tones.
Trustee Treasurer – Barry Dryden (he/him)
As the Trustee Treasurer, Barry takes charge of managing the choir’s finances with meticulous care. He maintains accurate financial records, tracks income and expenses, and ensures transparency in financial transactions. He plays a crucial role in keeping the Management Team informed about the choir’s financial status, providing regular updates and reports. Additionally, he handles the collection of funds, demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness in financial matters. Barry’s expertise and diligence contribute to the financial stability and success of the choir. In addition Barry sings as a Baritone in the choir.
Membership Secretary – Bo Zinn (he/him)
As the temporary Membership Manager, Bo plays a pivotal role in managing the choir’s membership records. This involves maintaining accurate records of choir members, tracking attendance, and providing regular reports to the executive committee. Collaborating closely with section leaders, Bo actively promotes attendance and engagement among choir members, ensuring a vibrant and committed community. Bo’s dedication and organisational skills contribute significantly to the smooth operation of the choir and his role will continue whilst the new Management Team gets to grips with things. Bo also sings Second Tenor.
Marketing
Our marketing is currently run by a team and is absolutely critical to the success of the choir. The team plays a vital role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of the choir through high-quality media promotional initiatives. They develop comprehensive strategies for publicity, utilising various channels to effectively promote concerts and events, they also run our numerous Social Media platforms and newsletter. Additionally, the team takes charge of organising tickets and programs, ensuring smooth and efficient management of audience engagement. Collaborative efforts within the team ensure that the choir receives maximum exposure and attracts a diverse audience to its performances. This team also helps promote membership recruitment and seeking charitable performances.
Social
Our social profile extends beyond touring; it encompasses orchestrating a variety of enjoyable social events for the choir. Our social team delivers a diverse range of activities that foster camaraderie and friendship among choir members and even inter-choir. Additionally, we coordinates our popular ‘Afterglow’ sessions, where members gather for social sings in the pub following concerts.
The Music Team
Carlton Male Voice Choir is proud to collaborate with a team of dedicated and talented musicians who contribute their expertise to elevate our performances to new heights.
Musical Director – Ian Watts (he/him)
Leading the way is Ian Watts, our Musical Director, whose multifaceted talents bring a wealth of experience to Carlton Male Voice Choir. In addition to conducting choirs, Ian showcases his musical prowess as a performer in The Kinx tribute band and previously with a well known international Beatles tribute band. Renowned as a skilled pianist, organist, and guitarist, Ian also spearheads a commercial record label and recording studio business. His influence extends beyond our choir, as he served as President of the Nottingham & District Society of Organists in 2017/18.
Assistant Musical Director – Andrew Atkinson (he/him)
Andrew, our Assistant Musical Director, skillfully conducts and rehearses the choir, infusing his extensive choral expertise into our performances. In addition to his role on the podium, Andrew showcases his vocal talents as a Second Tenor within the choir, contributing to our harmonious sound.
Principal Accompanist – Philip Miles (he/him)
Our Principal Accompanist Philip brings a wealth of musical expertise to our Music Team, with diverse experience ranging from composition and conducting to performance and academic study. Philip grew up in Warwickshire and attended King Edward VI School in Stratford-upon-Avon where his love of music was discovered. Aged 12, Phil began to play the piano having already joined both his school choir and the choir of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. A series of exceptional teachers nurtured his aptitude for performance and study, leading him pursue further study of music after leaving school.
Phil arrived in Nottingham in 2019 to begin his course at the University of Nottingham. At University, he studied piano under Jeremy Kimber, with whom he still takes lessons. Phil continued to sing in vocal groups within the University music department, including as part of a quartet formed with three course mates, and also began working as an accompanist for the local Bestwood Male Voice Choir in 2021. He graduated in 2022, and was awarded the Final Year Prize for Performance following his third year piano performance examination.
Since his graduation Phil has found work as an accompanist, teacher, and keyboard player. He has been the organist at St John’s parish church in Beeston since 2022, and also performs regularly as a soloist on the piano and the organ. He began his association with Carlton Male Voice Choir as deputy accompanist in 2023, going on to take up the post of principal accompanist in September 2024. Outside of music, Phil represents Great Britain at an international level in canoe sprint.
Second Accompanist – Rebecca Williams (she/her)
We are have recently employed the services of the brilliant musician Rebecca Williams who joins us as our second accompanist, covering rehearsals and performances as necessary. Rebecca has a natural sense of the way the choir approaches its music and we warmly welcome her.
The Section Leaders
The Section Leaders play a vital role within the choir, tasked with several key responsibilities:
- Organising their respective sections during rehearsals and performances, ensuring smooth coordination and cohesion.
- Monitoring attendance and fostering a culture of professionalism and commitment among members.
- Providing guidance and support to new members by assigning mentors and overseeing their progression through to audition.
- Ensuring that members have access to the necessary sheet music and resources for their performances.
- Supporting the ongoing musical development of each member within their section.
- Collaborating closely with the Musical Director to enhance the musical performance and quality of their section.
Section Leader – First Tenors – Stewart Philpott
Section Leader – Second Tenors – Vince Carter (he/him)
Section Leader – Baritones – Mick Walker
Section Leader – Basses – Malcolm Fox (he/him)
Theory Achievements Awards
Carlton Male Voice Choir proudly administers a voluntary two-level Music Theory exam. Congratulations to the following choristers who have earned Carlton MVC awards:
LEVEL 1
Barry Austin, Barry Dryden, Chris Davison, Cliff Hinks, Colin Baird, Dave Cherry, David Adcock, David Gee, David Newsham, David Watkinson, Derek Thorne, Derick Tetley, Garry Roberts, George Green, Harold Huxtable, Howard Lloyd, Ian Rowbotham, John Duffy, John Judson, John Wilson, Malcolm Fox, Mick Walker, Nigel Slater, Phil Cartwright, Philip Morgan, Robert Van Haazel, Sean Mansfield, Chris Murratt, Nic Jepson, Anthony Travis, Alan McPherson, John Dearden, John Matthews, Robbie Jacques, Philip McKiernan, Stewart Philpott, James Hill, Sei Wong, Mark Cooper, Terry Joyce, Russell Houghton, Danny Thorpe, Martin Duckworth, Peter Gregory, Edwardson Cantos, John Walters, Huw Thomas, Ian Dickens, Ben Irwin, David Eagland, Tim Vernon.
LEVEL 2
Stewart Philpott, Sei-Jun Wong, Chris Murratt, Derick Tetley, John Duffy, Colin Baird, Howard Lloyd, David Watkinson, Danny Thorpe, John Walters, John Wilson, Ben Irwin.
Others who help us
Logistics Operations – John Matthews (he/him)
John, our behind-the-scenes hero, is the driving force behind the scenes. You’ll often find him managing the choir trailer, ensuring all equipment reaches venues safely and setting up for performances. John is typically the first to arrive and the last to leave, making sure everything runs smoothly. John also runs our front of house team for a professional concert welcome.
Library – Maggie Mylonas (she/her)
Our vast and ever increasing library of music is managed by Maggie who continually keeps on top of the demands of a large choir with its large repertoire. Maggie ensures that music is managed properly by issuing and recovering music as and when it is required and providing Prospective Members music packs.
First Aid Team
We are fortunate to have a trained and skilled First Aid team with 6 members who’s role is to administer first aid in the event of any unfortunate accidents. The team is led by Stewart Philpott with Adam Underwood, Ian Dickens, Chris Coats, Ben Dew and John McIntyre. Before each performance the team plan the necessary arrangements and locate the nearest defibrillator, they also bring an ‘Ouch Ouch’ Fist Aid Kit.
Conductor Emeritus – Terry Moore
Terry served as the Musical Director of Carlton MVC from 1995 to 2016, succeeding Roger Pilgrim and Bob Davies. Under Terry’s guidance, the choir thrived for 21 years, performing around 200 songs during his tenure. Terry played a key role in establishing the Music Makers Competition. Although he retired after years of dedicated service, Terry remains actively involved in the choir’s continued growth as the ‘Conductor Emeritus’.
Previous Accompanist – Roger Holland
Our previous Principal Accompanist before Philip Miles was Roger Holland, a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, brought immense experience to the choir as an accompanist. His expertise extends to solo piano performance, with recordings featured on both local and national BBC radio stations.
Bridie – our mascot and talented guide dog
Thanks to our sponsors
Find out more about our great value corporate sponsorships here
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