Choristers up close - Stephen (Steve) Ramm
Steve Ramm
Section - Baritone
How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?
I’ve enjoyed singing for as long as I can remember, and I used to enjoy the times when men from Risca Male Choir called in at my local pub, The Ruperra Arms, and ended up singing. In work I would often burst into song and my colleagues, Trevor Baker and the late John Allen, also members of the choir, were always pestering me to join!
In the end I relented and Trevor brought me up to a rehearsal. This was in March 1992 and the choir was working on parts of the Cherubini Requiem. The fact that they were singing in Latin didn’t worry me as my Catholic background had well prepared me with the words of the mass! Then the choir turned around and sang Luck be a lady tonight from Guys and Dolls, and ended up with Martin’s arrangement of Bring him home from Les Misérables. That really made me tingle and I was hooked!
How long have you been with our choir, and what are the things which have helped you stay?
I joined in 1992, and have been a singing member ever since, although I did take a break of 18 months in 2006. So give or take it would make it 28 years including that break! I recall that when I came back after the time out, our late friend, Gordon Holley, welcomed me back with open arms. And that’s one big reason why I wanted to stay, characters and friends in the choir such as Gordon.
But it was my love of singing and the music that held me captive: the huge variety of styles and repertoire was so important to me. If Risca was a choir that only sang popular male choir repertoire, or show songs or all serious music, I don’t think I would have stayed. It was the huge diversity of the music that kept me interested and keen.
When I was working, my life very much revolved around my job, but when I came to sing, I could leave the cares of work behind me and just enjoy escaping into the music.
What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?
As I said, I really love the variety that RMC sings. To be honest, I get a bit bored when we have to revive songs, although I know it’s necessary to keep our repertoire fresh and repeat stuff for new choristers to learn. But I absolutely enjoy learning new music. I love the challenge, especially when learning music for competitions or tours when we need to reach very high standards.
I remember volunteering to sing in the semi-chorus for the middle movement of Owain ab Urien by David Wynne. I’m the sort of guy who’ll put his hand up for anything! And I relished learning that very difficult music written in 6th century Welsh!
Have you had any memorable musical moments that gave you pride and satisfaction?
There are a few things that come straight to mind. The first is how much I enjoyed singing with orchestras which I did in 2 local performances of the Verdi Requiem and also Beethoven’s Choral Symphony in St David’s Hall in Cardiff.
Secondly, our tours have been special, but none more special than the tour of California I made with the choir in 1996. 6 concerts in 2 weeks was tough going, but the experience was so very memorable, particularly the friendship offered us by our American hosts.
Thirdly, my solo performances in our annual theme shows have been very special to me. I was so fortunate to have the chance to sing solos as well as duets with guests including my own niece, Sarah. When I stood up there, I felt so proud, and that my mother and my wife, Jane, sitting in the audience were also so proud of me!
Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir.
I’m very much a family man and have been blessed with a wonderful family. Jane and I have 2 grown up children, Rachel and Chris, who each have 2 children, our grandchildren, a boy and girl each family!
I have a sister who lives in Australia and we’ve visited her 3 or 4 times. My son Chris, has lived in Singapore until recently, and Jane and I have visited his family a number of times. So I’ve enjoyed travelling.
When I retired from my work, I started walking as a hobby, and then added cycling as a pastime. A good way to keep fit as well.
A final thought, if you have one.
Thank you Risca Male Choir for helping fulfil my ambitions. I’ve had a truly wonderful life and feel I’ve achieved all I wanted. Jane and I have been married 46 years (I was 19 when we married!) and we have an amazing, loving family. I could not have wished for more or better.
My life has been full of friendship and music, especially singing, and being a member of the choir has given me so much pleasure in all those directions. I’m so glad I’ve been able to share my thoughts with you through this feature, Choristers up Close.
The Family: Steve, Jane, daughter Rachel, husband Chris, Amanda wife of son, Chris
Towards the end of last year, Steve became unwell. In December, he bravely managed to perform as part of a trio in our annual theme show.
Earlier this year, his condition worsened, and as the country settled into lockdown he was diagnosed with an aggressive and terminal cancer.
The pandemic continues, and Steve is sad that, because of the necessary restrictions, he won't be able to visit our choir HQ to say goodbye to his friends and colleagues.
He would like his contribution to Choristers up Close to stand as his valediction to us all.
As he faces his final journey, our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and his family.
