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Musical Director:
Mr Hugh Robinson F.T.C.L., L.T.C.L.
Hugh Robinson was born into a musical family in Whitehaven and music has been an influence ever since. The musical trend
has continued in his daughter and grandsons.
The Salvation Army's emphasis on music identified Hugh's musical talent and encouraged its development at an early age.
He started playing the cornet at the age of seven and later progressed to Salvation Army Bandmaster.
Hugh studied with well known teacher George Atkinson and attained his Licentiateship in Cornet and Conducting and his
Fellowship for Conducting with Trinity College, London. He was formerly Musical Director with Workington and Flimby
brass bands, conducting the latter at The National Brass Band Championships in Wembley Arena and was 'instrumental'
in forming Sethera (Cumbrian for six) Brass Ensemble sextet in 1996.
In December 1995 Hugh accepted an invitation to join the Whitehaven Male Voice Choir as Musical Director and put his
expertise to work immediately, for the benefit of the choir. Hugh enjoys seeing the successful end result of rehearsing new
material to an exceptional standard.
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| Musical Director: Hugh Robinson |
Deputy Musical Director:
Mr Barry Burns
Barry's love of music began at an early age, playing cornet and trombone with brass bands. He has sung with several groups,
church choirs (currently in St James' Church Choir, Whitehaven), mixed choirs and male voice choirs including Carlisle Gospel
Male Voice Choir. Barry was formerly musical director of 'The Lane Singers' for several years, before joining Whitehaven Male
Voice Choir in 1999. He was appointed Deputy Musical Director in 2004. When not conducting, Barry sings in the baritone section
and also officiates as master of ceremonies at our concerts.
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| Deputy Musical Director: Barry Burns |
Accompanist:
Mrs Joan Johnston
Joan commenced playing piano at the tender age of seven, eventually achieving Grade 8 - Final - Royal School
of Music. At eleven years old she was invited to play the organ at her local Presbyterian Church, the following
year Joan was appointed organist at St John's Mission Church, Cleator. Joan also played piano at school for singing lessons
and assemblies.
Throughout Joan's extensive musical career she has played piano and organ for various concert parties, operatic
societies, theatre groups, choral groups and church choirs throughout west Cumbria. Joan is always in great
demand and currently plays the organ at St Leonards' Church, Cleator and St John's Church, Cleator Moor, as well as being
accompanist for Whitehaven Male Voice Choir, a choir which Joan has been involved with for some fourteen years.
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| Accompanist: Joan Johnston |
Assistant Accompanist:
Mrs Aileen Rule
Aileen grew up in Cheshire and trained as a teacher at Congleton where she developed her musical skill. She has taught
music in three local junior schools throughout her career. Aileen is accompanist for the West Cumberland Choral Society Junior
Choir and former accompanist for the St Bees Ladies choir 'Vivace'. Aileen was invited to undertake the role of assistant
accompanist for Whitehaven Male Voice Choir in 2004.
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| Assistant Accompanist: Aileen Rule |
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