David Bean was brought up in a musical family in Sileby, learning piano and cello with his parents; his sister Martha is now a singer-songwriter. He started singing while at Loughborough Grammar School, and while studying for his music degree at Selwyn College, Cambridge he performed with a number of chapel choirs which included tours to Scotland, Italy and Andalucia. He also enjoyed conducting a big band, Selwyn Jazz, for two years, which allowed him into many free May Balls.

In his final year he had the privilege of taking part in conductors' workshops with Stephen Cleobury, David Hill and Stephen Layton; more recently he has worked with the Cecilian Singers under the guidance of Jeremy Jackman.

At the moment he is singing regularly at St Andrew's parish church, Aylestone, and teaching music theory, piano and EFL. His non-musical interests include watching cricket, playing board and computer games, and badminton.

We bid a fond farewell to James Allen who has directed the choir since 2007, and wish him well for his new life back in his native Australia. Also we lose Philippa Allen, a very fine soprano who will be greatly missed in the choir, for her guidance to the other members, also James' wife.

The Choir will be paying a tribute to the pair at a gathering on the 31st January 2011

The concert tonight is the showcase of the workshop.

Its as been hard work, but  people have got a lot enjoyment in participating in this event.

Well done everybody involved in bringing this event together.

 With the passing in 2009 of the well-loved Headmaster of Manor House School, Ian Clews, it was thought that a suitable tribute would be to combine two of his favourite things; Singing in a choir and Folk Music. 

 The workshop is a chance for singers to come together for intensive work over a weekend culminating in a performance with professional musicians the following weekend. The workshop will be under the guidance of James Allen, the Musical Director of Ashby's local choir, Concordia. The main work will be Malcolm Dalglish's "Hymnody of Earth" for Choir, Hammer Dulcimer and Percussion. We will be joined by Folk Musician, Sue Harris, on the Hammer Dulcimer. The piece is an enjoyable yet challenging sing and will offer thought provoking moments as well as some of pure energy.

 The workshop is on:

Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th November at the Manor House School in Ashby de la Zouch

There is a workshop and full run-through with the musicians on: 

Saturday 13th November at Holy Trinity Church, Ashby de la Zouch

 The concert is:

7:30pm - Saturday 13th November 2010 at Holy Trinity Church Ashby de La Zouch

Please see our website for more information and how to sign up (or buy tickets for the concert):

www.webjam.com/icfcw

Or Phone 07768024678

Coalville Music Festival. Saturday 8th May 2010

First in the Mixed Voice Choir.
Joint Second in the Choirs Open.

 A magnificent  £220 was raised for Charities, St.Peters Church, Copt Oak and the Shuttlewood Foundation.

Patricia Clews