Marsh Ladies Choir

Ian Abbott MSc (Musical Director)

Ian was born and brought up in Dewsbury and learnt to play the piano at an early age. Having gained Grade 8 piano at the age of 15, and taken an extra year out after ‘A’ levels to study ‘A’ level music, he decided he would prefer to keep music as a hobby and not a profession, and went on to study Chemistry at Bristol University. During this time he was awarded an Organ Scholarship through the university at Tyndale Baptist Church. After returning to Yorkshire, Ian gained an interest in amateur theatre and took up several appointments with various societies as accompanist, and later as Musical Director. He was accompanist for several years with the highly successful Sing Live, during which time he appeared on Open House With Gloria Hunniford and sang at the Royal Albert Hall. He is organist at Trinity Methodist Church, Mirfield, and Central Methodist Church, Brighouse. Ian lives in Mirfield with Nicola and their two daughters, Bethany and Danielle.

Kim Kaye GRSM LRAM (Accompianist)

Kim started her piano studies at the age of five with her mother. At eighteen she went to The Royal Academy of Music in London where she gained an Honours degree in Music, her Piano Teacher’s Diploma and completed a post-graduate year in piano accompaniment. She works part-time for Kirklees Music School and teaches piano, flute and music theory privately as well as accompanying for local festivals and examinations. In January 2008 she will be taking over as pianist for the Holme Valley Singers and has recently joined the Huddersfield Choral Society. She is a member of ‘Roka’ with Jane Robertson performing piano duets and plays for weddings and parties in ‘Anything Goes’ with Denise Sanders on violin.

Peter Skuse (President)

Peter Skuse is the president of the Marsh Ladies Choir.

Raymond Ellis (Honorary Member)

In common with many local singers, Raymond began his vocal training with George Stead MBE, who is renowned for his work with Colne Valley Male Voice Choir. Raymond is a member of this choir as well as the Huddersfield Choral Society and became an Honorary member of the Marsh Ladies Choir in 2005. He is also well known for his solo work in oratorio, light opera and caberet. He is employed as a fine worsted designer.