Time Is Running Out To Join Stafford's New Pop Choir

Simon Allen with Gareth Malone

Time is running out for young performers to register their interest in an exciting new pop choir run by Stafford Gatehouse Theatre. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is launching a new venture and those interested in being part of the new choir need to register their interest by Wednesday 1 July.

Stafford Gatehouse Youth Choir (SGYC) will run on Wednesday nights from September through to December for a trial term. It is open to youngsters aged 16-21 with a passion for music. Previous experience is not essential.

The group will be lead by Musical Director Simon Allen. Simon Allen BMus (Hons) has been working as a pro musician for over 10 years, starting his career in Staffordshire before travelling the UK to work on contemporary music projects in genres such as Pop, Funk, Jazz and Musical Theatre. As a Hammond Organist (After Dark Fonksters) and Pianist Simon can be caught playing live around the country in various bands and currently works locally as the Musical Director of 'The Military Wives Choir Stafford' and 'The Rhythm Club Tap Dance Spectacular'.

Simon Allen says:
“Having worked with Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre earlier this year and being excited by the talent, I was keen to bring some more musical opportunities to the theatre and a Pop Choir seemed just the thing.

“Gone will be the idea of old fashioned choirs and in with an exciting brand of choir singing; the key is to have a blast and learn whilst creating an awesome sound! I have been chomping at the bit to bring this type of choir to Stafford and have a range of fantastic songs, some of which will be unique arrangements that we will learn, perform and blow people away with!

“The plan is to get everyone in the choir buzzing about singing out loud and creating a sound that will be a force to be beckoned with. It is my experience that singing in a choir can bring out the most shy of people, who ultimately learn to love performing music. We will be performing music from the charts, TV shows and whatever else inspires us! Bring on SGYC!” 

Those interested in being part of SGYC need to register their interest by emailing their name, age, address, any musical background and the most recent song they downloaded to ehogan@staffordbc.gov.uk no later than Wednesday 1 July, with the subject 'SGYC'. Those under 18 will also need to include the details of their parent or guardian. After this date Stafford Gatehouse Theatre will contact all those who have registered with further information.