MUSICAL DIRECTOR - ANDY SMITH
Andy grew up in Hertfordshire before moving to Tamworth with his job with Barclays Bank in 1998. Her started playing the piano and trumpet when he was 7 years old, and off and on he has been playing ever since. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London on a Saturday Junior Scholarship between the ages of 11 and 18 culminating in obtaining his Diploma. He decided though a musical career was not for him, preferring to enjoy it as a hobby rather that a must to pay the bills. He has many years experience having worked with a number of Amateur Operatic Societies in Herfordshire and Bedfordshire as both Accompanist and Musical Director for musicals and stage shows. He also played keyboard in bands varying in style from ceilidh to rock.
Andy was 'spotted' by the partner of one of our members playing the piano for a local school production and became the choir's deputy accompanist in the Spring of 2004. He agreed to take over as our regular accompanist in January of 2005 and enjoyed learning the choir's extensive repertoire. In January 2009 Andy took over as Musical Director. Andy is married to Katie (also a singer) and has two daughters, Rebecca and Tamara, both of whom are learning to play the cornet and trumpet.
MARIAN BRANNAN - ACCOMPANIST GRSM ARMCM AMusLCM Dip Ed TD
Marian Brannan trained at the Royal Manchester College of Music and Reading University. She is a pianist, organist and singer and studied accompaniment with Clifton Helliwell. Whilst teaching in London, she was a member of the London Philharmonic choir.She was Head of Music at King Edward VI School, Lichfield for 34 years before she retired. At the school, she had choirs, bands and orchestras, made recordings, conducted annual musicals and organized numerous concerts as well as taking musicians abroad on tour.For many years she was director of music for Lichfield Operatic Society and a member of committee for Lichfield Competitive Festival. She now enjoys private music teaching, accompanying, conducting her own two choirs as well as playing for Stafford Choral Society. She is also an accomplished organist which keeps her very busy.Her interest in music festivals began when, as a youngster, she entered festivals herself and felt that she gained tremendously from the experience. She loves to hear young people perform and has accompanied and adjudicated at festivals.