Celia's
background has always been associated with music, with a father
who enjoyed playing the piano, and a mother who was an extremely
good pianist and singer. A singer herself from the age of 7, she
learned first the descant recorder (soon followed by all the other
instruments in the recorder family), and then at secondary school
the clarinet became her instrument of choice. She was an enthusiastic
member of the school choir, taking several solo parts in operettas
at school. Celia's specialist subject at college was music, giving
her an insight into writing and arranging for choirs, as well as
taking part in large choral performances at St Paul's Cathedral,
the Royal Albert Hall, and the Royal Festival Hall as a member of
the St Paul's Cathedral Special Choir.
Since leaving college Celia has sung in church choirs, local operatic
societies, and "scratch" choirs. Her main occupation in
music since 1981 has been with the Gildenburgh Choir, where she
has sung both soprano and alto lines over the years, and has been
a member of the Choir Committee for most of the time she has been
a member. She has been Choir Secretary and Assistant Musical Director
for 25 years, and took on the role of Musical Director in September
2012.
In addition to local musical activities, Celia is the General Secretary
and Webmaster of the National Association of Choirs, and is proud
to attend conferences and concerts all over the UK to represent
the NAC. She is also a member of both the Association of British
Choral Directors and Sing for Pleasure.