People
NIGEL JAMES - Director of Music
Nigel originally hails from Nuneaton in Warwickshire. He was a member of the Staffordshire Youth Orchestra and the North Staffs Polytechnic Sinfonia. He studied Music at Sheffield University, graduating with honours, and subsequently trained as a teacher in Birmingham.
He has lived in Frodsham since 1993. He has previously been organist and choirmaster of Neston Parish Church and has been musical director for school productions of Oliver, The Wizard of Oz, and ‘Wind in the Willows’. He still enjoys listening to orchestral and chamber music repertoire but a recently acquired taste is a love of the English Choral tradition.
Nigel became the Director of Music for the Highfield in 2007.
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DEREK LITTLEMORE - Accompanist
Derek joined Highfield Male Voice Choir in 1959, originally singing as a second tenor until he was asked to take as Accompanist in 1968. He has now completed 50 years' association with the Choir, and is by far its longest serving Accompanist.
Over the years Derek has accompanied many local and visiting soloists and, on occasions, has deputised for other local choirs. He was also honoured to be asked to participate on the piano for the North Wales Association at three of their Albert Hall concerts during the 1980's
Not only is he a completely supportive and sympathetic accompanist, but his choral arrangements for both male and mixed voice choirs demonstrate a high degree of musical craftsmanship. Derek has been responsible for many of the arrangements which are regularly sung by the choir and has made important and significant contributions to the high musical standards enjoyed by Highfield today.
HELEN EVERETT - Deputy Accompanist
Helen was born in Goole, Yorkshire to non-musical, but very supportive parents who encouraged her to study the piano at a very early age. Her first musical appointment was as a pianist to a local ballet school whilst she was still at school herself.
She was the accompanist to Goole Choral Society from its inception in 1982 and taught piano to pupils of all ages for over 20 years. Since moving to Cheshire in 1998 Helen has graduated with a B.A.(Hons) in Music and Humanities from the Open University and is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Education.
Helen lives in Winsford with her husband Mike and their daughter Chloe, and is employed as a Pastoral Manager at a local secondary school. As well as being the deputy accompanist to Highfield Male Voice Choir, Helen is also principal accompanist to The City of Chester Male Voice Choir and deputy accompanist to Warrington Male Voice Choir.
Stan Martin – President
Stan has been a chorister for most of his life and has been member of The Highfield for over 40 years. Singing in the Bass section, Stan has participated in most of the choir’s performances with a variety of conductors over the years.
He has also held the position of both Treasurer and Chairman for a combined period of 20 years.
In 2006 he was asked to become The Highfield’s fourth President. On his appointment he declared. Considering those who have previously held this office, I am conscious of the honour which has been given to me but I will endeavour to maintain the tradition and continue to serve the choir to the best of my ability. My aim is to see that the proud name of Highfield continues into the future with the best of male voice music being sung for the benefit of the good folk of Runcorn and all the surrounding area.
