Choristers up close - Andrew Williams

Andrew Williams
Section - Baritone

How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?

I was born and brought up in Pontarddulais, my father and brothers were in the male voice choir, my father was also a musician, so singing and music was in my blood, or maybe there was something in the water!

A career in the army, work and family commitments meant I would not get the opportunity to join a choir until many years later, when settled in Bassaleg. My interest was reignited by one of my favorite TV programmes in 2008 featuring Gareth Malone entitled “Boys Don’t Sing”.  Several series later and with “Only Men Aloud” winning “Last Choir Standing” I was very keen to find a choir I could join.

I bumped into several members of Risca Male Choir after an international game in Cardiff in the pub called the City Tavern.  I clocked the badge on their jumpers and thought, that's only down the road from me, however I was travelling overseas a lot with my work so the time was still not right.  A few years later in 2018 my wife and I joined the Bassaleg Community choir run by local school teacher Sally Davies.  I loved the experience of regular, communal singing, it was addictive and I wanted more, an hour a week was just not enough. 

Roll on Xmas 2021, I saw the notice of Carols at Tredegar House featuring Risca Male choir.  I approached second tenor Dave Tutton, as we know each other from Rogerstone Cricket Club and asked how to sign up.  I attended the first practice in February 2022 and am now a full member of the choir.

We realise you’ve only been with the choir for a very short time, but what are the elements you have most enjoyed so far?

I really appreciated the warm welcome I received by all the members of the choir.  I enjoy the challenge of learning the scores, at first it was a very steep learning curve, however it is so different from my work, it is a great stress relief and pressure equalizer for me.

I enjoy the banter and the camaraderie within the choir; it reminds me of when I used to play rugby where the team look after each other and also ensure that nobody gets too big for their boots!  Humour is also an integral part of the choir experience and is a key element of the life of the choir.  I particularly enjoy the social gatherings, meals and trips organised by baritone Mike Sullivan and I look forward to having a relaxing pint after practice.

What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?

I find the English songs quite easy to sing and generally very joyous and uplifting for example Gonna Rise up Singing, I’m Goin up a Yonder and Here I am Lord.

The Welsh items are so passionate and full of empathy.  Gwinllan a Roddwyd and Anfonaf Angel, I always feel positive singing them as they all conjure up memories and a lot of emotional feelings.

I was unsure about the Latin, but learning Gloria which was the opener in our most recent concert,

was a great experience for me.  The vowels are pure, each needing a different mouth shape, and Tomos our MD emphasised this as we learned the piece.

What do you think you might look forward to in the future, perhaps having heard from longer serving choristers of memorable moments in the past?

I have enjoyed the whirl wind that has been my introduction to the choir including several concerts, memorial services, a few weddings and an Annual concert, all in a relatively short space of time.  I am really looking forward to continuing this busy schedule.  I would like to take part in some competitive events to measure where we are as a choir and would love if the opportunity arises to travel further afield on a concert tour.

Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir

I have lived in Bassaleg with my family since 2001.  I have been married to Sarah for 22 years, we have two sons Benjamin 20 and Harri 15.  My life until very recently has been as a full time taxi driver for both boys who are keen sports men.  With Benjamin now at university it means I get the odd shift off, hence time for the Choir.

We have a very active little Patterdale Terrier called Alfie who exercises me every day.  I have always enjoyed any outdoor activities, walking, cycling, canoeing, skiing, climbing and sailing.  We have a campervan which we have used for many family holidays in the UK, France and Italy.  I am also a qualified yacht skipper, mountain expedition leader, cricket and rugby coach and referee although the knees do not allow heavy activity these days.

A final thought, if you have one

Research has shown that singing can be good for you on many levels. It may help lower stress, boost immunity and lung function, enhance memory, improve mental health, and help you cope with physical and emotional pain. One of the best things about singing is that you don't have to be good at it to reap the rewards.  It may be a daunting feeling approaching a group of people you are not familiar with, however my experience demonstrates you will be welcomed with open arms, or failing that, the Tredegar Arms on Thursday nights after practice.

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Choristers up close - Robin Grayson