CRAIG KEHOE
The Musical Director serves as the musical coordinator for the Chorus, as we aspire to A level performance. They provide the artistic and musical vision, leadership and inspiration, as well as the technical and teaching skills, developed from their experience of directing a high-quality chorus, to continue to advance GWC’s artistic excellence, while facilitating the enjoyment reflected in our motto of ‘Fun singing well’.
Craig joined The Great Western Chorus in autumn 2003 whilst studying music at Bath Spa University. Since then Craig has been an active member of the musical leadership of the chorus, serving on the Music Team since 2005 firstly as tenor section leader then for the last 5 years as deputy musical director. Craig became GWC's Musical Director in October 2023.Craig sang on our front row for many years and also sang with our in-house octet HClub between 2005 and 2007. Craig has won numerous medals with the chorus at BABS conventions, including gold in 2008, 2015 and 2017. In 2009 he competed with the chorus in Anaheim, California, when the chorus represented the UK in the International competition.
Before joining The Great Western Chorus, Craig was a member of Shannon Express in Bedfordshire and was a founder member and first musical director of the 5Ways Chorus from Oxfordshire.
Craig was appointed co-director for the National Barbershop Youth Chorus between 2005-2007, before he got too old! Following this he was appointed director of Bristol Fashion, an award winning women's chorus from Bristol. From 2014-2016 Craig was the director of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers' Nationwide Chorus: Coast to Coast. Between 2019-2023 Craig was joint Musical Director of The Bristol Mix and won gold with them in the Mixed Chorus competition at the 2022 BABS convention. He is also a LABBS singing judge, director of education faculty member for BABS and LABBS, coach and arranger.
In his spare time (!!), Craig is the Head of Music at a local secondary school.
He is enormously proud to have been appointed director of The Great Western Chorus in 2023 and is looking forward to a bright and successful future.
Craig recognises that everyone has a part to play in the success of GWC. Team ethos is so important. That starts with his Music Team, whose invaluable skill and effort help spread the joy:
Aidan Brand - Tenor Section Leader
Martin Proctor - Lead Section Leader
Gavin Collings - Baritone Section Leader
Hugh Parker - Bass Section Leader
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