Musical Director (MD): Eddie Garrard

Eddie is the Musical Director of the orchestra and is in overall charge of the music we play at rehearsals and concerts.

He joined Congleton Youth Orchestra in January 2005 and has since then been directing combined rehearsals for all three groups (including the Intermediate Wind and Strings Groups and the Senior Orchestra). He is supported by a string and woodwind tutor, along with four volunteer assistant tutors.

He is a very experienced musician, having been Director of Music in education for several years, as well as Musical Director of several choral groups.

Strings Tutor: Jayne Walker

Jayne joined us in January 2011.as tutor of the new Music Together beginners Violin group from 2011.

She gained a B.Mus(hons) degree at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2011 and has been playing the violin/ viola for 16 years.
.
We are delighted that she has accepted the position of String Tutor w.e.f. April 2012.

Jayne is very proud to be working for the CYO after being a member nearly 8 years ago.

 

Wind Tutor: Judith Hearson

Judith is an experienced music teacher,and trumpet player. She has been musical director for many stage productions in and around Congleton.

She joined Congleton Youth Orchestra in September 2005 as Wind Tutor, taking rehearsals for the Intermediate Wind Group. Under her supervision the wind/brass group numbers have risen dramatically and she now has almost 40 musicians, at varying degrees of ability, under her wing. She now has three assistant tutors who run sectional rehearsals under her direction.

If you play any woodwind or brass instrument, Judith will help develop your playing so you can reach the standard needed to play with the Senior Orchestra as well as play pieces written for woodwind and brass groups.

 

Assistant to String Tutor : Dr. Michael Seaton
Michael has been with the Orchestra almost since its inception and has been a valued and loyal member. He was appointed as voluntary assistant to the string tutor in January 2007. Michael will also be helping out with arranging parts for members as and when required.
Michael is an excellent Viola player
We congratulate Michael on obtaining his Doctorate in Engineering - Well Done Michael !

 

Assistant Tutor : Steve Churchill

Steve joined the CYO in January 2010. He is a former professional musician and plays a range of wind, keyboard and percussion instruments. He returned to University in 2000 obtaining a BA Hons Degree in Contemporary Arts, majoring in Music. He followed this up with post graduate studies, achieving a PGCE in Further and Higher Education and was then employed in Education at Stoke on Trent College along with  supply teaching in several schools in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent. He has taught music to both mainstream students and pupils with learning disabilities.

  

Assistant Tutor - Lucy Moss
Lucy studied music at University and currently teaches in Newcastle under Lyme. Lucy plays Clarinet, Piano and Double Bass. Since bringing her own two children to join the orchestra's new training scheme, it has brought back fond memories of her own involvement with music groups and training orchestra's and her eventual progression through to the County Youth Orchestra in Somerset.

 

Assistant Tutor - Mark Leigh
Mark is a keen Trombonist and enjoys performing in a wide variety of different styles, including Brass Bands, Big Bands and Symphony Orchestras. Mark plays regularly with the Cheshire Sinfonia, North Staffs Symphony Orchestra, the Versatile Concert Orchestra and Ceramic Brass Band. The late great Don Lusher ranks as one of his biggest idols.

He currently works in a Primary School, assisting teachers with general education requirements as well as peripatetics with musical activities. He is also using his software skills to develop applications to assist in improving childrens' education.

 

 

 

 

 

Assistant String Tutor - Liz Amison
Liz joined us in. January 2011. She is an experienced music teacher who taught music in local High Schools before taking a break to look after her young children. She is returning to music education as an instrumental teacher. Liz is a confident string player and will be tutoring the new Music Together beginners Cello group from 2011.

Liz is currently on Maternity Leave, but hopes to return to the teaching staff as soon as practicable.

 

 

 

 

Orchestral Representatives:
Alice Crossley & Alex Rushton

Alice was elected as Orchestral Representatives at the AGM in November 2011. She is joins Alex Rushton who was elected at the A.G.M. in October 2010.

Orchestral Representatives sit on the Executive Committee, and are elected every year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). They are responsible for putting forward to the Advisory Committee (which meets once or twice a term ) any comments that members may have as to how they wish the orchestra to be run, along with suggestions for social activities etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 1