We are a small, friendly team with a variety of different skills, all with a love of choir. We all have the appropriate DBS checks (available on request) and are easily spotted on a Saturday morning… navy blue Cheltenham Children’s Choir polo shirts and the biggest smiles!
Amber Smith
Co-Musical Director and Founder
My name is Amber Smith, I am a freelance choir director and music teacher. I am the founder and Musical Director of Cheltenham Children’s Choir, founded in 2018. My goal for the choir is to make it a welcoming, fun and happy place, open-to-all, with one thing in common – we all love to sing!
Since we began our musical adventure in 2018, I have been lucky enough to learn from some brilliant mentors and choir leaders including Janice Thompson (AOTOS), Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher (Vocal Process). I was proud to be a finalist for ‘The Francesca Hanley Inspiration Award’ at the Music and Drama Education Awards in 2021, sponsored by the ISM, Musicians Union and Classic FM, nominated by my wonderful choir family! I enjoy learning and connecting with other choir leaders both nationally and internationally, to continually offer the best that we can to the children.
I am a passionate, dedicated and community-spirited individual who enjoys singing, performing, the theatre and walks in the sunshine (or wellies!). I enjoy putting creativity, music and joy at the heart of everything I do.
Laura Hayward
Co-Musical Director
I have been teaching music in a variety of guises since I was 17 and am passionate about making music education accessible, fun and high quality. I began my journey as a teenager as a member of the Farnham Youth Choir, competing with them and being part of their 1998 Sainsbury’s Youth Choir of the Year group.
I have led choirs in and out of school for over 15 years and have taken choirs to national venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Town Hall, and on stage with the BBC Concert Orchestra. Alongside this, I am a qualified music teacher, particularly supporting pupils through GCSE and Sixth Form studies, enabling them to go on to further study in institutions such as Trinity Laban, Urdang, and Leeds Conservatoire. I am passionate about vocal health and alongside professional development, I am a certified Vocal Health First Aider.
I am really looking forward to working with Harmonise and have been impressed with the commitment, dedication and talent I have witnessed while covering for Amber. I am thrilled to be a part of Cheltenham Children’s Choirs.
