Alan Retires…..sort of
Alan Biddle, our Musical Director for the last 24 years has finally decided to hang up his baton. (I apologise for the really bad intended pun, but it was too good to miss.)
It is impossble to put into words the strength, support and guidance that Alan has given the choir under his direction. He has taken us from a local group to a choir that has gained a justifiable reputation for the quality of our performances, the range of our repetoire and the quality of our performances. On the way, that has enabled us to attract larger audiences and raise more funds for our charitable objectives.
The words below are from Our Chairman, Philip Jnes, writing in the Stoneleigh and Ashow News, Dec24 Edition
“On Friday 1st November 2024, the choir held an evening of celebration and rejoicing for its Music Director, Alan Biddle who, after 24 years, is laying down his baton. He has brought great joy and a wealth of experience to us and our audiences. The choir has made considerable progress in its technique and showmanship of performances under his professional guidance. Alan engaged warmly with our audiences, no visitor failing to fall under his magical spell, with no chance of missing out on any of the choruses under his beady eye!
He produced, directed, rehearsed us and played the music for many memorable shows, including South Pacific, Grease, Oklahoma! (you know “where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain”! Who could hang on to a “g” in such breezes!), A Musical Time Machine (in which Elvis met Petula Clark! Yes, I know!) and our last one, A Disney Fantasy, in which Snow White ended up marrying Shrek – Walt eat your heart out, bet you wished you’d come up with that!
In recognition of his outstanding contribution, Alan was made Life President of the choir, presented with a signed photograph of current choir members and a cheque collected by members old and new. Alan will be difficult to replace as accompanist, conductor, music arranger and concert host, and we will miss him greatly, but hopefully he will join us to swell our tenor section when he is able to.
Good luck Alan and thank you so much for the last 24 years.
Come and join in the pre-season fun for Alan’s final concert and to meet and welcome our new Music Director, Mr Kevin Stannard –
Thank you for listening and your amazing support. A very happy Christmas and prosperous new year to you all from Alan, Judy, Kevin and all the guys of SMVC.
Good luck Alan and thank you so much for the last 24 years.
Come and join in the pre-season fun for Alan’s final concert and to meet and welcome our new Music Director, Mr Kevin Stannard –
Thank you for listening and your amazing support. A very happy Christmas and prosperous new year to you all
f
rom Alan, Judy, Kevin and all the guys of SMVC.
