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Musical Director
 The Choir's Musical Director is Michael Wiles. Michael trained at St. John's College, York and has spent his life in education. His love for choral music and sacred music in particular, was fostered during his long association with the choir of Bridlington Priory. As Head of Music at Stamford Bridge School, Michael built up a thriving music department and a choir known for its high standards and challenging repertoire. He retired from the school after 37 years in December 2006. He has conducted the Stamford Bridge Singers since its inception and is keen that young people, as well as those more "mature in years", should have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of live, quality music-making. Consequently young people, both teenagers and younger, are particularly welcome in the choir.
On a wider front Michael is now active in the Friends of Cathedral Music, being the Diocesan Representative for York as well as the Joint Diocesan Representative Coordinator. This is an organisation whose aim is to foster awareness and appreciation of cathedral music and to help safeguard this priceless heritage (see www.fcm.org.uk). He is also a Council Member of The Friends of York Minster, and a friend of The Ebor Singers, The Ryedale Festival, Northern Ballet Theatre, Opera North and The Three Choirs Festival.
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Accompanists: Raymond Sturdy
 The choir's chief accompanist is Dr. Raymond Sturdy. Ray was born and educated in Middlesbrough and studied the organ with Conrad Eden (Durham Cathedral) before taking up an Organ Scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music where he gained the GRSM, LRAM, ARCM and FRCO diplomas.
A bursary to the Paris Conservatoire enabled Ray to study with Andre Marchal, Jean Langlais and Maurice Durufle. Following external study with Columbia Pacific University (USA) he later gained MA and PhD degrees in composition.
Ray is currently Organist and Director of Music at St Mary's Priory, Old Malton and Director of Music at Cliff School, Wakefield. He is also the Official Accompanist for the annual York Competitive Singing Festival.
Ray lives in York with his wife Debbie and two teenage children.
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Michael Smith
 Another of the choir's accompanists is Mr Michael Smith. Michael is Master of the Music at Bridlington Priory and teaches keyboard and singing at Stamford Bridge School. Michael, too, has accompanied the Singers on many occasions, notably for the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols which was held jointly with Stamford Bridge School until December 2006. |
Robert Poyser
 The Choir's first official accompanist was Robert Poyser who travelled with the choir on its foreign tour to the Rhineland in 2001 where he gave an inspired organ recital in Bonn Cathedral. Robert sang as a boy chorister in Gloucester Cathedral, gained a first class degree in music from the University of Hull and became Organ Scholar and then Sub Organist of York Minster. In 2003 he moved to Chelmsford Cathedral as Assistant Director of Music. Robert has continued his links with the Singers, playing for them on a number of occasions since. |
Committee Members
Chair and Librarian Anne Caley (01759 371371)
Secretary and Assistant Choir Trainer Rebecca Richardson (01904 424299)
Treasurer Paul Hammond (01759 371510),
Recruitment Officer and Press Secretary Sue Ford (01759 372116)
Sales Officer Liz Dawes (01759 371272)
Register and awards secretary Emma Cammidge
Social Secretaries Tim Duck (01759 371725) and
Jan Dean (01759 372160)
Under 18s representative Katie Wood
Assistant Press Secretary Susan Boldry (01904 400429)
Sue would be delighted to speak with anyone interested in joining the choir. Please feel free to 'phone her for further information.
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Anne Caley
 Anne is a founder member of the choir and has contributed greatly to its growth and friendly atmosphere. A committee member from the start, she is at present Chair and Librarian. Anne, who qualified from Liverpool University in 1972 as a veterinary surgeon, at present works as Area Team Leader for "Hallmark" enforcing legislation on animal welfare and food hygiene. Anne loves to sing and the "feel good" factor that comes from learning and performing something well.She also values the many good friends she has made (and would welcome more men!!) |
Rebecca Richardson
 Becci started singing with the choir in 1999 taking time out to take a Music degree at Edinburgh University, graduating in 2005. She is an accomplished clarinettist and singer and as well as becoming choir secretary has also taken on the job of assistant choir trainer where her piano and singing skills are both put to good use. She recently started working as an Applications Officer for Family Fund, a charity for families with disabled children. Becci loves music of all genres, particularly live concerts and gigs. Like Anne, she would love to see more young men in the choir! |
Paul Hammond
 Paul came to choral singing quite late, joining the Tenor Section of the Stamford Bridge Singers at the age of 41 in February 1998. His previous musical experience had been as principal cornet with Chipping Norton Silver Band. He is Treasurer of the Singers having previously been Secretary for two years. He enjoys both rehearsal and performance,wishes he had come to choral singing earlier and is looking forward to a long and enjoyable association with the Singers. He also would be delighted to welcome new men to the choir, but for different reasons! |
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