Parkside Singers of Ampthill

Co - Musical Director = David Stott

David was born, raised and educated in his native Yorkshire.  In 1968 he came to live and work in Luton and pursued an academic career in social science and medical statistics at the Universities of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, retiring in 2011.  He has sung with choirs and played the piano for most of his life, though it is only in the recent past that he has been invited to direct local choirs.  He has been involved with a Luton High School Chamber Choir and Vauxhall Male Voice Choir, but now works exclusively with the Parkside Singers (apart from occasional YouTube forays on the ukelele with his brother).  Outside music, his main interests include ballroom dancing with his wife Hilary, cooking and golf.  Their three daughters live locally and are also involved in local music including singing together as The Stott Sisters.

As well as selecting, teaching and conducting our music, David also arranges music parts of songs to better suit the choir's characteristic sound.

Co - Musical Director = Helen Wingate

Helen spent her childhood in Bedfordshire taking part in the Bedfordshire County Youth Orchestras.

She later studied cello and piano at Trinity College of Music, London for four years, followed by a PGCE in Secondary Music.

After her degrees, Helen taught music in various Bedfordshire Schools, with only one move outside of the county to Staffordshire, where she became an Assistant Headteacher.

Throughout her teaching career, Helen conducted many Musicals and school concerts.

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Helen now runs her own business making vegan cakes, as well as teaching music and being part of the music team at the Vauxhall Male Voice Choir in Luton.

In her spare time (?) Helen volunteers with the National Trust and spends as much time as possible with her dog. Helen is also a staunch support of and advocate and fundraiser for the ZSL at London Zoo Whipsnade.

Piano Accompanist/Organist = James Banville

The Parkside Singers are indeed fortunate to have James as their accompanist! James is a professional pianist with many years of experience accompanying choirs and studied the organ at the Royal Academy of Music. He has held successive appointments as organist at All Saints, Parish Church of St. Mary, and currently at St Luke’s Church in Luton. James is now a full time musician and is in great demand as a concert soloist and accompanist for solo singers. A few years ago, he received the honour of being one of the few people invited to play on the famous Willis Organ at Alexandra Palace.

Piano Accompanist = Lesley Vincent

Parkside Singers are additionally fortunate to be able to call upon Lesley to help out as an accompanist.

A musician (piano and double-bass) and music teacher, Lesley has been involved for may years with the Salon orchestra of the RAF. Lesley teaches both her instruments, and music theory as well as coaching orchestra, and is a choral conductor and a musical director in her own right.

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