MEET THE SINGERS
Musical Director
David B Lewisis the Choirs Musical Director and has been since the early 90’s. A former forward and second tenor David has taken the Choir on to a different plain and his sharp wit gives an added dimension to Choir performances.
“Sunday night, for those of us still working, is wonderful in that it takes our minds off Monday morning. This is when the Singers rehearse. It is a time for some hard work, some banter and good fun. The boys derive great enjoyment from singing, entertaining and above all each other’s company. This fact is reflected in the excellent attendance at rehearsal – they must want to come practice and not be there just because it is another Sunday night.
Their ability and capacity to learn new pieces are amazing, given that few can read music. One of the most rewarding aspects of being musical director is when, at the end of the evening, the members leave singing, whistling or humming a new piece that we have just been rehearsing. If they like it – we’ll sing it!
The repertoire encompasses close to 100 pieces with about 30 currently being performed regularly. There is a wide range of musical styles included, from traditional male voice pieces through to songs from the shows, musicals (old and new), grand opera and pop classics from the 60’s to the present day.
They sing songs that people think they know and could sing along with the singers performance is hugely influenced by the reaction of audiences and the feedback they receive from them. Smiling faces, tapping feet and moving lips work wonders!
So, if you can arrange transport to Mountain Ash on Sunday evening, come along and experience a unique atmosphere and be part of a group of singers who revel in each other’s company and who share the pleasure of entertaining others through song”.
David Lewis.
Chairman
The current chairman of the Choir is First Bass, former centre and Teacher Alun Lewis. Alun has taken up the role as chair after being the vice-chairman for five years during which time he took on the responsibility for organising the choir’s latest recording ‘What Would We Do Without Our Music’.
Following my return to Mountain Ash after a three year study period in Cheltenham, I joined the Mountain Ash R.F.C. Singersin April 1980 as the youngest member - twenty eight years on I am still the youngest member. Although the choir has attracted new members during this period, young choristers seem to be few and far between. The choir is always looking for 'new blood'. and one can expect a very warm welcome from this friendly group of gentlemen.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the past twenty years plus as a member of the choir, which I must say, has gone very quickly. And I am proud of the fact that the 'boys' have given so much pleasure to thousands of people. The venues we sing at vary enormously, from Church Halls and OAP's Centres to T.V. Stage and Screen. But what remains constant is the pleasure the boys get from entertaining others whilst simultaneously enjoying the company and the camaraderie of our fellow choristers. I feel proud and privileged to be the Chairman of the Mountain Ash R.F.C. Singers.
Alun Lewis
Vice Chairman
Top Tenor and soloist Alwyn Jones hold the mantel of Vice-Chairman at present. Alwyn a retired Solicitor has been a member of the choir for --years. He is also a member of the Mountain Ash Choral.
Treasurer
Retired bank manger Lyn James is the Choirs Treasurer and has been for ten years. Prior to his current post Lyn was chairman for five years. Lyn has responsibility for all financial matters. Accounts – Payments – Receipts – Subscriptions – Banking. Lyn joined the Choir in 1976 (at a tender age) and apart from singing his hobbies include golf, rugby and bowls.
“The Choir generates income from members subscriptions of 50p per week, donations and concert fees. Further income is forthcoming from the sale of the Choir’s CD’s and cassette recordings. The majority of funds are dispersed to local charities, and thousands of pounds over the years have been donated to worthwhile causes such as ‘Mountain Ash Hospital’, ‘Marie Curie Cancer Fund’, Macmillan Nurses’, the local ‘Cancer Care Centre’ and many more.
The Choir, being only 25 strong and singing unaccompanied, are able to perform in large or small venues. The charge for a concert would be at the present time £300 plus travelling expenses. Any requests for concerts should be made to the Secretary”. Lyn James.
Librarian
Retired carpenter Hugh Allen has been in charge of keeping the choir’s sheet music in order since 1976. In addition Hugh is responsible for collecting the weekly subscriptions from members and look’s after members savings when the choir decide to go for a cultural weekend. Hugh is unique in that he is the only non-singing member of the choir. An all round sportsman Hugh still umpires at local cricket match’s
Secretary
Terry Benney joined the choir in 1984 becoming secretary some ten years later. Terry runs the choirs administration and is responsible for correspondence, maintaining a record of choir meetings, arranging Concert bookings for the choir and the main contact for anyone wishing to secure the choirs services.
“Enquiries for the Choir to perform concerts come from many sources including local O.A.P. groups and various charity’s. Many enquiries come from personal recommendations and this can lead to the Choir performing in unusual places, among the most resent being a new housing development that had its official opening on St David's Day. This obviously called for a Welsh theme and the Choir obliged. There was also a garden Fete were the Choir performed on a covered bandstand, and the Audience stood and listened in torrential rain. Being involved with the Choir is indeed an experience; the camaraderie between members is to be treasured. We come from differing backgrounds but all have a common bond 'the love of singing'
Terry Benney.
Tenors
Tommy Davies, Mike Nolan, Mike Weekes, Kynoch Lee, Alwyn Jones, Haydn Evans.
Second Tenors
Francis Lloyd, Thomas Lloyd, Howard Evans,
Lyn James, Terry Benney, Roger Morris.
First Basses
Bryn Reed, Roger Griffiths, Vince Lewis,
Alun Lewis, Dyke Bryant, Terry Dower.
Basses
Cliff Roberts, David Thomas, Keith Olden,
Roy Lloyd, Trevor John, David James.