Who's Who?

The Choir is run by a management committee elected annually and chaired by a president. The Choir on the advice of the committee appoints a conductor, and the committee, on the advice of the conductor, appoints a pianist for rehearsal and accompaniment.

A personal welcome from Archie Waters, President - Dorian Choir

Welcome to our web site.

I joined the choir in 1998 as a 'stress buster' during a very busy time in my life, and I've never looked back. I couldn't - and still can't - read music, and had no experience of singing in groups. But I found it really easy to fit in and everyone was very friendly and supportive.

It was, and remains, great fun and a wonderful relief from the pressures of normal life. (I should add that recent medical studies have shown that choral singing in communities is directly linked with better health and longevity).

I have been in outdoor education all my professional career and the activities have provided me with a thrilling life style. I never thought I would get the same adrenalin rush from singing, but when we all hit those crescendos together, it really is electrifying.

So now you're on the web site, just take that extra step. Give me a call on 01436 674657 or come down to see us all on a Tuesday night at the URC church hall (7.15 pm Tuesdays from 30th August to May each year).

You will be made most welcome.

Archie Waters
President

The Committee

Archie waters (bass) - President
Martin Ritch (tenor) - Vice President
May Connelly (alto) - Secretary
Geraldine Duffy (sop) -Treasurer
Martin Ritch (tenor) - Men's Representative
Jean Urquart & Mary Horswell (sops) - Social Secretaries
Alastair Begg (bass) - Librarian
Margaret Thom (sop) - Soprano Representative
Margery Douglas - (alto) Alto Representative

David Bruce - Conductor

David was appointed our new Conductor in July 2011.

He is a professionally trained musician, very well known on the Helensburgh musical scene and an experienced classical conductor and choir master.

In fact David has been conducting choirs and orchestras since his student days at Edinburgh University where he studied music and English. He sang with the Edinburgh University Singers and St Giles Cathedral Choir under Herrick Bunney and founded the Edinburgh University Glee Club.

Throughout his career in arts administration he has always maintained his practical interest in music. In London he conducted the Jacobean Singers and in Helensburgh he was for many years the conductor of the Orchestral Society. He was the first conductor of Helensburgh Savoy and of the Helensburgh Saturday Orchestra. Recently, he conducted the St Columba Family Singers with whom he performed in Sweden and on Iona.

Each year he conducts two orchestral concerts for charity with the Fotheringay Players (a mixture of professionals and amateurs) in Glasgow. He particularly enjoys working with community-based groups and helping them discover the sheer pleasure of making music together.

Jane Hepworth - Accompanist

Jane is a gifted pianist. She has played for the Choir as rehearsal, accompanying and solo pianist for the past 10 years. She teaches piano and singing in Helensburgh. She was born in Wolverhampton, and gained a B.Mus. from the University College of Wales. She is an Associate of the London School of Music.