Meet the Choir
Musical Director – Andrew Russel
Recognising that choral singing reached beyond the sacred repertoire, Andrew advertised locally in Peebles for a new choir that would reach into the modern popular end of the musical repertoire. The masses formed and InChorus was born with a bang in September 2008, staging its first public concert that Christmas. With such a demand, Andrew rummaged in the police service and Lothian and Borders Police now has a 60 strong choir. Tayside Police Choir soon followed in 2010, and Andrew is kept busy with planning, scoring, travelling and rehearsals.
Choir Chairman – Bob Harrison
Being chairman of InChorus is one of the easier jobs to have simply because everyone in the choir wants it to work and work well, indeed very well. From the big picture ideas to the details which are vital to a fully cohesive choir. InChorus, I believe, enters its second year with a real advantage and we must capitalise on the positivity we are experiencing.
We have developed working groups/musical teams and there is so much enthusiasm that my principle task is making sure we keep our firm direction and enjoyment of making music together. Making music is emotional and can touch on the spiritual as well and of course so much enjoying the community aspect in our weekly rehearsals.
Choir Manager – Moira Pearson
Originally from Fort William, Moira and her family settled in Peebles in 1994. She has helped her husband Andy, develop their company, whilst raising their two daughters. Within just 3 days of becoming an “empty nester” Moira joined InChorus and rekindled her lifelong love of singing. Her first stage appearance was as a singing rosebush (age 4) in Sleeping Beauty! Music played an important role in Moira’s life throughout school and college. Whilst working as a Head Occupational Therapist in Edinburgh she sang in the Malcolm Sargent Massed Hospital Choir performing in the Usher Hall and Caird Hall at the fundraising Christmas Concerts. As Choir Manager, Moira has had her eyes opened to the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and is enjoying being part of InChorus during its formative years.
Choir Treasurer – Kirsty Davidson
Choir Treasurer – Mhairi Frain
Soprano Lead – Aly Skidmore
Singing and section-leading in InChorus is tremendous fun, and I’m lucky enough to work with some really talented singers and musicians. The choir is a great outlet for my own love for music, and a fantastic opportunity to contribute to something that is becoming an increasingly important part of the local community. The choir brings people from all backgrounds and all walks of life together with a shared enthusiasm and passion for singing and music in general – it’s a vibrant and exciting group of people to be part of.
Aly is originally from the Forest Of Dean and moved to Peebles in 2006. As well as singing loudly at every conceivable opportunity she also works in Edinburgh and across the UK, and is rarely seen travelling anywhere without her iPod!
Alto Lead – Elaine Tucker
Being part of InChorus is a great thrill. I’ve been a member from the start and am very excited and proud about the way the choir is developing musically and socially. I always return home from rehearsals uplifted.
As well as my section lead duties, I chair the Music Committee and maintain records of the songs suggested by our members.
It’s a wonderful feeling when the choir performs a number put forward by you!
Tenor/Bass Lead – Iain Thomson
Iain has lived in Peebles for over ten years and works for the Scottish Ambulance Service. He has always enjoyed singing and joined his first choir at the age of 8. Having seen InChorus in concert and liking what he saw, Iain decided to audition and as a result became part of the developing choir.
After a year, Iain took over the role of Tenor/Bass Lead and although
challenging, Iain has thoroughly enjoyed the extra musical involvement
as well as the many friendships which have formed.
Choreographer – Lindsey Byrne
Originally from Inverness, Lindsey and her family moved from Edinburgh to Peebles in September 2010 and she joined InChorus in January 2011. Lindsey began singing and dancing at 3 years old and with a passion for musical theatre she has been a member of Inverness Opera Company, The Apollo Players, Southern Light Opera Company and Strathclyde Musicl Theatre Company.
Although now working in Social Work as a Child Protection Officer in the Scottish Borders, Lindsey started her further education with a BA in Community Arts at Strathclyde University specialising in music, drama and dance. Throughout her degree, Lindsey facilitated creative programmes in various schools, prisons and hospitals and also provided choreography for two community choirs. When she mentioned this during her InChorus audition, she quickly went from brand new InChoruster to Choreographer and she has been delighted with the enthusiastic reaction to the new movements being introduced. It is a challenge working with a large group who have a wide range of experience (and varying comfort levels!) but she has been truly impressed with everyone’s dedication and support which make InChorus a joy to be part of!
Description of make up of choir
InChorus is a mixed, contemporary Community Choir with approximately 100 members of all ages who live in Peebles and the surrounding area. The choir has attracted a wide cross section of the community that shares a passion for singing and developing InChorus through regular rehearsals, practice at home and participating in events. The enthusiasm of choir members is obvious to all that hear them perform and high attendance at the weekly sessions is proof that InChorus has an exciting future.
