MKA appoints a new Musical Director
| Type of post: | Chorus news item |
| Sub-type: | No sub-type |
| Posted By: | Glenn Martin |
| Status: | Current |
| Date Posted: | Sat, 7 Mar 2020 |
MK Acapella is delighted to announce the appointment of Roger Pinsent as their new Music Director. Roger will commence with Milton Keynes’ very own male barbershop chorus on Monday 9th March 2020 at their rehearsal venue, “The Crypt” at the Chrysalis Theatre, Milton Keynes. Roger takes over from Lyn Kidby as the Music Director, after she retired at the end of 2019, after over 5 years during her second time as the MD.
Roger was born and brought up near Leatherhead in Surrey. Shortly after gaining an Associate London College of Music qualification in Voice at the age of 20, he hitchhiked around Cornwall and stayed there for 30 years. He was awarded a BA (hons) in Music at Dartington College of Arts in 1990, and has continued studying during his career – most recently being awarded a Masters of Music in Conducting (MMus) last year. He is a qualified teacher (PGCE) and has a MA in Composing for Film and TV.
Roger started his career, teaching voice and keyboards on a peripatetic basis with the Cornwall Music Service while also playing keyboard in a couple of bands. He started his Music Director career in 1995, as the arranger, composer and director of the Maritime Festival Choir. Since that time, he has been the Music Director for various choirs from Operatic Societies to School based choirs, as well as running numerous “Come to Sing” courses. Roger is also a partner in “Yarnweavers” an audio book production company. Roger returned to Surrey in late 2016 and currently conducts two Guildford-based choirs, the Surrey Fringe Barbershop Chorus and the Everyman Choir, as well as the Croydon Male Voice Choir.
Glenn Martin, MK Acapella’s Chairman said “We are delighted that Roger has agreed to join us as our Music Director. We are an aspirational chorus, who are looking to; improve our sound, increase our membership, and develop ourselves as singers and as a chorus. Roger has a special skill set of knowledge, passion and communication which will enable us to move towards our objectives and achieve our potential.”
Roger was born and brought up near Leatherhead in Surrey. Shortly after gaining an Associate London College of Music qualification in Voice at the age of 20, he hitchhiked around Cornwall and stayed there for 30 years. He was awarded a BA (hons) in Music at Dartington College of Arts in 1990, and has continued studying during his career – most recently being awarded a Masters of Music in Conducting (MMus) last year. He is a qualified teacher (PGCE) and has a MA in Composing for Film and TV.
Roger started his career, teaching voice and keyboards on a peripatetic basis with the Cornwall Music Service while also playing keyboard in a couple of bands. He started his Music Director career in 1995, as the arranger, composer and director of the Maritime Festival Choir. Since that time, he has been the Music Director for various choirs from Operatic Societies to School based choirs, as well as running numerous “Come to Sing” courses. Roger is also a partner in “Yarnweavers” an audio book production company. Roger returned to Surrey in late 2016 and currently conducts two Guildford-based choirs, the Surrey Fringe Barbershop Chorus and the Everyman Choir, as well as the Croydon Male Voice Choir.
Glenn Martin, MK Acapella’s Chairman said “We are delighted that Roger has agreed to join us as our Music Director. We are an aspirational chorus, who are looking to; improve our sound, increase our membership, and develop ourselves as singers and as a chorus. Roger has a special skill set of knowledge, passion and communication which will enable us to move towards our objectives and achieve our potential.”
