About us
Imagine! A summers day in 2021 and a conversation between friends “shall we start a choir?”
After a moments hesitation, we all agreed it was a good idea and the Dersingham Choir was born! To test the water we held an Open day in December and were delighted that so many people in the village expressed their interest. This spurred us on and our first rehearsal took place in early 2022. We had been extremely fortunate to acquire the services of Simon and Matthew to help the choir and we are extremely lucky to have the use of the excellent facilities provided by St Cecilia’s Church here in Dersingham. They have been really supportive.
From the outset we have used sheet music but we do not require anyone to be able to read music. This comes in time, with help and the support of other choir members. Likewise, we do not do auditions - at all! Everyone is welcome, no matter their perceived ability. We are a friendly group who just want to sing together.
Matthew Preston - Choir Accompanist
Matthew currently holds teaching positions at Wells-next-the-Sea Primary School, Burnham Market Primary School, Alderman Peel High School and Beeston Hall School where he teaches piano and theory to pupils from ages 5 to 16. In addition to his school tutoring, Matthew teaches numerous students privately in Hempton and at student’s homes in the surrounding area. He is also the organist for the Briningham Benefice and Burnham Deepdale Church and plays the piano for weddings at Holkham Hall.
Matthew works alongside fellow musician and teacher, Benjamin Howell, as one half of ‘The Missing Coda’, playing duets and organising music workshops and performances for students. In March 2019, Matthew and Benjamin took their ALCM Piano Duet Diploma exam and passed with distinction. Excited by this challenge, they both went onto complete their LLCM Piano Duet Diploma exam in August 2020, also passing with distinction. Benjamin and Matthew have also taken on the role of becoming Regional Organisers for EPTA Norfolk.
Glenys Owen - Treasurer
Also new to the area, Glenys just made it here a week before lockdown and is only now emerging, just in time to become Treasurer of the new choir!
An Introduction to Dersingham Choir
Simon Bower - Musical Director
After attending Rugby School on a musical scholarship, Simon read Music at University College, Oxford. Much of his time there was spent accompanying and directing choirs, including directing Verdi’s Requiem in his final year.
He first came to Norfolk in 1985 and was Assistant Director of Music at Gresham’s for seven years, then moving around the country as Director of Music at four prep schools, including Glebe House School in Hunstanton. During his time in Norfolk he has continued to perform as a pianist/accompanist and piano teacher while working in other fields. He has been a parish clerk for four different local councils, and still does this for two.
For several years, until the pandemic struck, Simon was the Musical Director of Hunstanton Choir. This was where he encountered Matthew Preston, and they have enjoyed working together since, both in this context, and from time to time as duet partners.
Jan Wilson - Chair
Jan moved to Dersingham in 2017, attracted to this bustling village after many holiday stays in nearby Sandringham. Keen to be involved in a new area, she started new hobbies including singing and learning piano. She now takes the role of Chair.
