John Garrett BA (Hons)
I studied Music at Huddersfield University specialising in voice gaining a 2:1 BA (Hons) degree in 1988. In the same year I was awarded the Singing prize at university and also won the Mrs Sunderland vocal recital scholarship.
In 1993 I made the quarter finals of the Kathleen Ferrier vocal competition held at the Wigmore Hall in London and later went on to study voice with Patrick McGuigan at the RNCM.
In 2002 I was invited to take over as conductor with the Nelson Civic Ladies and during this time has been responsible for developing the choir and performing many concerts including many competitions. In 2008 the choir gained four first award trophies including those at Chester and Biddulph festival. The choir also got into the last 28 choirs in the popular TV programme ÔLast choir standingÕ.
In 2004 the John Garrett School of music was set up and now has nearly 100 students mainly in voice and piano. Working largely from home has given me more opportunity to spend on conducting and also writing music. Last year the choir performed 3 of my new compositions in concerts. In November this year the choir will be performing at the Royal Albert hall in London in a joint choirÕs concert for Cancer Research.