Meet some members

We’d like to introduce you to a few of our members

John Compton, 2nd Tenor

John

 

Occupation Classical Guitar Teacher (retired)

When did you join the Wooburn Singers? 2012

What inspired you to join the choir and what keeps you coming? I was already singing with another choir when I attended a Wooburn Singers concert and was deeply moved by their performance. I recall saying how wonderful it would be to be part of such a thing. Luckily I passed the audition and my wish came true!

I find it perpetually fulfilling to share, with my colleagues, in the creation of our music.

What do you do when you’re not working or singing? I continue to play guitar both in the Aragon Guitar Quartet and as a duo with my wife Petula, I help in caring for our young granddaughter, I build and fly large radio controlled model aircraft and I’m Treasurer of my local model aircraft club, I enjoy creating & editing digital video & audio, DIY (except plumbing!) and reading. Retirement is busy!

Best Woobies memory Singing in Tallinn Cathedral during our 2013 Tour

Top 3 pieces of music

  • Hideaway‘ – electric guitar solo by Eric Clapton which inspired me to start playing the guitar, way back in 1966.
  • Julia Florida‘ – classical guitar solo by A. Barrios, utterly beautiful.
  • The Cloud-Capp’d Towers‘ – choral setting by Vaughan Williams – a perfect melding of composition with text.
Jenny Atkinson, 1st Soprano

Jenny

Occupation Practice manager at an architecture studio

When did you join the Wooburn Singers? March 2011

What inspired you to join the choir and what keeps you coming? I’ve been singing in choirs on and off since I was about 10 and have always loved the way the collective sound gets right into my soul, plus the family spirit that comes with membership of choirs. It’s the people, the variety of music and the opportunity to sing some fantastic local venues that keep me coming back for more!

What do you do when you’re not working or singing? I love playing tennis, going for family bike rides and sampling the food (and beverages!) in the local pubs.

Top 3 records / pieces of music? This is really hard, but I would say:

  • Agnus Dei, from Faure’s Requiem
  • Let there be love by Nat King Cole
  • California Soul by Marleen Shaw
Martin Foley, 2nd Bass

Martin

Occupation Freelance Woodworker

When did you join the Wooburn Singers?1998

What inspired you to join the choir and what keeps you coming? I first sang chorally with the West Glamorgan Youth Chamber Choir under Jason Shute (Ex D’oyly Carte) and for many years since then appeared in Musical Theatre groups local to High Wycombe, taking lesser principal roles and also singing in other scratch choirs but nothing permanent. I replied to an advertisement, auditioned for the Woobies and was successful. I keep coming as no one has told me not to…; seriously, the standard keeps me stretched personally but is achievable. There is nothing like the buzz I  get when singing with this choir.

What do you do when you’re not working or singing? I play the guitar and sing; I’m Welsh when I’m not singing I think about singing.

Best Woobies memory: A concert in a lovely chapel on Gozo, Woobies Malta tour 2011.

Top 3 records / pieces of music

What a question! So many! OK…

  • Memories of the Alhambra by Francesco Tarrega,
  • I’m partial to a bit of Paul Simon
  • My Spirit Sang All Day by Gerald Finzi.

Perhaps you can be the next new member?

If you would like to find out more, please click here.