Who’s Who

Bristol Cabot Choir regards getting to know each other as part of the joy of belonging to a Choral Group. The following provides information about our Musical Director and members of the Choir Committee.

Rebecca has conducted choirs since she was 19, in London, Cardiff and Bristol. She has conducted the Bristol Cabot Choir for 7 years, and really enjoys giving energetic and inspiring rehearsals. ‘I love getting the most out of our wonderful singers. Every week we use classical training as part of our rehearsal to really get the best sound. Although we have lots of fun, the choir members work hard with great enthusiasm, which means that by concert day the audience is in for a very special treat!’

In her spare time Rebecca is a vocal coach who teaches many students of different standards, and specialises in singers who are nervous about using their voice, or are anxious performing in front of people. ‘The voice is a real expression of who we are as a human being, and often that can leave us feeling exposed and vulnerable. I use a combination of Neuro Linguistic Programming, advanced learning techniques and many years teaching experience to help a student overcome these hurdles’.

Part of Rebecca’s mission as a vocal coach is to use music to converse with those who find it hard to communicate. ‘Many of my students have disabilities or learning difficulties. I use music as therapy at the Avon Autistic Foundation in Shirehampton every week. We’ve found the sessions enable service users to  express their emotions freely, and communicate in ways that are often hard for them in everyday life. We have such a good time together, there is always a huge amount of fun and joy, and of course great music!’

Rebecca previously taught Key stage 3 and 4 music at St Bernadette’s Catholic School for 5 years. She then completed her Masters degree in Choral Conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama whilst teaching A level Music and BTec Musical Theatre at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College.

‘People are always shocked at how busy professional musicians are. We tend to have careers that span teaching during the day time and performing at evenings and weekends in far flung places. This is why I practise Qi Gong every day, it helps me keep a feeling of peacefulness and balance, and a real sense of humour! I love what I do, sharing music with people every day is a real privilege and such a joy!’

In her spare time, Rebecca regularly gigs in Bristol, and sings with the BBC National Chorus of Wales in Cardiff. ‘The standard of the choir is so high, and we get to sing with the National Orchestra of Wales on a regular basis. Singing in the BBC Proms during the summer is a real highlight of this work, the promise of bumping into famous musicians in the green room at the Royal Albert Hall is far too enticing!’

For more information on singing or piano lessons with Rebecca, please visit her website: rebeccaholdeman.co.uk or email her at beccyholdeman@yahoo.com

We are currently auditioning for a new accompanist for the Bristol Cabot Choir - watch this space for further updates on the successful candidate.