Music Directors
The Music Directors of Tees Valley Voices are Katie Hibbard (pictured) and Kate Robinson.
Before leaving English Martyrs School, Katie had gained ABRSM grade 8 in both violin and piano. She followed her BMus degree at Huddersfield University with a PGCE course at the Royal Northern College of Music. There she was trained in the Kodaly and Dalcroze methods of teaching, enabling her to offer a wide range of activities in music education.
She also started conducting vocal ensembles during her time in Manchester, and has explored this discipline ever since. She currently conducts the Darlington Youth Choir and several secondary school choirs, as well as Tees Valley Voices. She teaches individuals and small groups for Durham Music Support Service, and spends some of her summer teaching at the international school for gifted players in the Lake District. She says that her love for music means that teaching never feels like work!
Katie is a 1st violin in Cleveland Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras and she also plays in string quartets. In 2008, she set up a chamber orchestra for people in their twenties and thirties to give concerts of a high standard. She is also a founder member of Vox, the 18-30 choir. She is certainly a valuable part of the music scene in the Tees Valley!
Katie says, "I am excited to see where Tees Valley Voices will go this year, as I have seen the group consistently move forward for the last three years. It has been wonderful to see young people develop their voices and grow in confidence from a wide variety of musical experiences. I am sure that the newly formed team behind us will help enable this to be the best year yet!"
The choir was sad to say goodbye to Music Director Hannah Stephenson (pictured here with Katie) after two terms, but she left for the happiest of reasons - she is expecting a baby in July! Her last rehearsal, and Katie's forthcoming marriage were marked with gifts from the choir and a large cake for everyone to share.
Taking Hannah's place is Kate Robinson. Kate is an excellent singer, pianist and violinist, currently teaching in the music department of Ian Ramsey School in Stockton.
In her CV Kate writes: "My two biggest passions have always been music and working with young people. So, it seemed a natural progression to become a teacher of music. However, outside of my career music also plays a major role in my life. As a first study violinist, I enjoy playing in various ensembles; currently as a member of the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra and the Northern String Ensemble. As well as playing violin I also play the piano and sing, and have enjoyed putting these skills to use both in and outside of the classroom."
Both Music Directors are CRB checked at the Enhanced Level.