Andrew Young became the 5th Musical Director for SMVC in January 2005 after being a member of the choir for several years. Andrew started his musical career playing the French Horn in the school orchestra, county youth orchestra and the local TA band. In 1990 he went to Oxford Brooks University to study education, during his time at university he expanded his musical expertise and learnt to play the organ and sang in a variety of choral groups performing religious pieces, 20's pieces and standards.

Since he finished his BEd, Andrew has been a primary school teacher in Stockton specialising in Music, DT and History. In 1996 he helped to form P'Nache a brass quintet and plays the French Horn (or other brass instruments & percussion) at local gigs. Andrew was the church organist for Aske Chapel near Richmond from 1999 until Christmas 2007. In January 2008 he moved to All Saints' Church in Hurworth as Musical Director, he is the principal organist and the choirmaster. He was also a member of The Yorkshire Volunteers Band and has played for some local orchestras and conducted local groups.

During his time with the SMVC, Andrew has introduced an increasingly varied repertoire including pieces arranged by both David Thompson and himself. Although he was initially daunted at the responsibility of being a full time Musical Director he has quickly developed skills in teaching choirs new pieces and running rehearsals, Andrew has also encouraged the choir to take a few more risks with new pieces. It has been a learning curve on both sides, one that we hope has paid off.

 

The choir examines the MD's credentials!!!