Musical Staff

Kate has been involved with music from a very early age. She joined her local church choir at the age of five and a year later was lucky enough to sing Zadok the Priest. This was a magical experience that had a lasting effect on her. Kate has continued her love of singing throughout her life, performing in many wonderful venues in Britain and throughout Europe.

At the age of sixteen, she attended a Sing for Pleasure summer school and there discovered a passion for conducting. She has developed this talent and now tutors at Sing for Pleasure singing events for both children and adults. As well as tutoring, Kate is the chair of Sing for Pleasure North, responsible for organising events both locally and nationally.

After A-levels, Kate was awarded a scholarship to study at Poole Gakuin University, Japan for six months. During this time she studied Japanese language and culture and also took part in primary school workshops teaching English songs. At the college she formed a choir for a Christmas performance, which they enjoyed so much it continued after she left!

In January 2005 she founded Wigan Community Choir. The intention was to offer people of all ages, many of whom had no previous choral experience, the opportunity to enjoy making music. The group grew in number and confidence with the emphasis on having fun, without neglecting quality. Under Kate’s direction the choir performed regularly at events in the North West including the WOW Festival in Wigan, the Sing for Pleasure Choirs Festival in Bolton and also charity concerts and wedding engagements. She left Wigan Community Choir in July 2008 to start her PGCE in Secondary Music at The University of Cumbria.

Kate is very excited to be the new Musical Director of Rossendale Male Voice Choir and is looking forward to working with them in the future. Kate is also MD of Stockport Liberty Belles (a female barbershop chorus) and Horwich Training Choir (a Bolton Music Service entry level choir for children). She has delivered workshops for Bolton Council (Study @ BWFC summer programme), Octagon Theatre (Active8 – Art Beat) and worked with Wigan Junior and Youth Choirs, Trafford Youth Choir, Little Lever Training Choir and Turton Training Choir.

Kate sings with Sine Nomine International Touring Choir who regularly perform in European Tours, concerts nationally and the Presteigne Festival, and the BMS (Bolton Music Service) Singers.

Michael joined the Choir in 1968 at the youthful age of 16, singing second tenor. Steeped in the 80 year history of the choir, he is the great nephew of the founder conductor, Fred Tomlinson. His grandfather, Frank, was a founder member. His father, also Frank is the Choir's President. He made his debut as the Choir's accompanist at the Massed Bands Concert at Belle Vue in 1969.

For almost 40 years, generations of choir members have marvelled at their good fortune and audiences have thrilled to hear his skilful and sensitive playing. Not just an accompanist, Michael has ensured the continuation of the choir and the undying gratitude of the members, for two spells recently, taking over as conductor during periods without a musical director.