Knowle Male Voice Choir
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Derek Sheldon

Many will know of Derek Sheldon as a musician through his playing of the piano and organ. They probably assume that this has been his career path for most of his life. In fact that has not been so, because at the age of 18 he had the choice of what career to take – a concert pianist or engineer. Following the wisdom of his music teacher, engineering won out as a stable career.

However, whilst he has continued to follow a highly successful career in both industry and academia,

the love of music has not been far away from his finger tips.

Thanks to the encouragement of his music teacher, he became organist and choirmaster at a Black Country church at the young age of 15 years, whilst completing his full set of piano grades. After gaining his first engineering degree in mechanical engineering and a PhD in aeronautical engineering, Derek was then tempted into musical comedy becoming musical director of Swindon Amateur Light Operatic Society (SALOS) and East Berks Operatic Society for some 8 years performing stage shows (with semi-professional orchestras) such as Gigi, Hello Dolly, Guys & Dolls, Brigadoon, etc.

Mixed in with a busy family life, travelling abroad regularly on business and an active church life Derek has also been an organist and Director of Music at a number of Anglican parish churches in Bracknell, Huddersfield and Knowle where the joy of serving God

and making beautiful uplifting music has been particularly fulfilling. None of this, however, could have happened

without the support and devotion of his wife and family.

Following his retirement from part of his musical duties at Knowle Parish Church, despite continuing to lead an orchestra at most evening services, Derek has seemingly come full circle from his earlier years. For the past five years or so he has enjoyed training and conducting Knowle Male Voice Choir in a wide range of classical, musical comedy and spiritual four part music. This has been particularly rewarding because many of the concerts have been fund raising events for charities where others far less fortunate than ourselves

have been supported.

The fun of making music in this special way continues to provide us with a great deal of pleasure.