Founder and director:
After an early career in human resources, Catherine took several years out to raise her three children. Unable to find anywhere local to home (then in Esher) to indulge her passion for singing the sort of material rarely found in traditional choirs, she set up her own choir in 2004 – a surprising move perhaps for a music novice! Inspired by its success, Catherine established Vocality Singing as a small business in 2007 and now runs seven local choirs under this banner in London and Surrey.
She says: “I absolutely love singing and I’m still a proud member of Vocality Claygate. It keeps me in touch with our members’ experience. There are so many things that make Vocality very special for me – not least the feedback I frequently receive from singers who go as far as to say that Vocality has changed their lives. Discovering so many fantastic songs from around the globe and watching our choirs enjoying them is a real pleasure too.”
Secretary and financial director:
A qualified accountant, experienced business director and consultant, Nick has been singing for pleasure since his school days. He has sung with amateur and semi-professional choirs in Oxford and London and became involved with Vocality very early on in its life. Nick says: “From the outset it was clear to me that Vocality was going to be special and that singing without sheet music would open the choir up to anyone and give them the opportunity to achieve something remarkable. This has certainly proved true and the journey continues.”
PR/Marketing Co-ordinator:
A communications practitioner in the health sector for more than 20 years, latterly as a freelance, Tracey began working with Vocality soon after joining our Richmond choir. She says: “Spreading the word about Vocality is a pleasure because I get so much from being a member myself. For me, Vocality’s approach intensifies the sense of community, satisfaction and fun you get from singing in a choir. It’s a natural thing to want others to join in too.”
Choir Leader:
The best thing about directing Vocality choirs is enjoying the difference between the 40 individuals that come into a session and the group of singers that leave.
There is something so honest and simple about turning up and singing with other people and I love being a part of it.
Choir Leader:
It’s hard to beat the buzz I get from directing a Vocality choir. It’s a really powerful and joyous experience bringing people together to express themselves through singing. Seeing how a group of individuals blossom and connect through blending their individual voices is wonderful. It makes you feel great.
Choir Leader:
Since graduating in 2003 from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Liz has performed in some of Europe’s best known concert halls and festivals. She has directed choral groups at Teddington’s Landmark Arts Centre, Brunel and Kingston Universities, and choirs for young people in West London.
Choir Leader:
I adore teaching Vocality choirs. I love working on the expression in the music, the banter with such an inspiring group of individuals and taking a relaxed but very considered approach to produce beautiful music.