Rachel Thomas
Rachel was brought up in Hertfordshire and, from the age of seven, received musical training from Hertfordshire Music Service as a violist, pianist and primarily, a choral and solo singer.She read Music at the University of Leeds and for many years has been a class music teacher and singing coach. Her first love is choral singing, having been mentored by Sue Hollingworth and Chris Mallinson (both of whom led choirs which were winners of the coveted BBC Choir of the Year). She trained extensively with Sing for Pleasure and has led sessions on choral direction with Herts Music Service and the Voices Foundation.
Rachel has conducted choirs of all types, ranging from a choir of four to seven year olds to the Community Choir of English National Opera, but HWCC is her favourite!
Her belief is that everyone can, and should access singing, for its benefits are proven, not only for musical reasons, but for self esteem and health reasons. Her rehearsal methods combine fun, humour and informality with rigour and a wide variety of song styles.
Rachel particularly enjoys singing a capella and Music Theatre songs.
