Tim Stone
Section - Tenor 1

How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?

I joined the choir because of my partner Geraint (First tenor, Geraint Price). I have always sung both in primary school and secondary school choirs, but then took a few years out from choral singing.

During university at Cardiff, I needed an outlet after exhausting shifts and lectures as a student nurse. I heard of an open rehearsal at a local choir in Cardiff and decided to re-ignite my singing interest.

Once qualifying in 2011 and moving out of Cardiff to Abercarn, travelling back and forth to Cardiff every week on public transport to rehearse became even more tiresome. So Geraint suggested I join Risca Male Choir, of which he was already a member. It was great to have a familiar face on my first rehearsal and was lucky enough to be placed next to Geraint and my mentor Graham Tucker. I have never auditioned for a choir before, however Martin was very kind and didn’t embarrass me by pointing out my few missed notes!

How long have you been with our choir, and what are the things which have helped you stay?

2021 is my 10th year anniversary of being with RMC. During that time, I’ve made some excellent friends for life. Voice sections don’t get in the way of a great family bond throughout the choir. Everyone is supportive in all time of need, not just helping with music, but also with aspects of life in general.

I love the variety and range of music that RMC sings. In particular, the sacred items remind me of my grass roots in religion. But then, in contrast, I also love modern musicals and the whole world of pop culture.

What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?

The music I particularly love singing is very eclectic. One of my favourite pieces is The Lord’s Prayer (Malotte), which re-emphasises my religious upbringing. I also enjoy singing the spiritual I’m going up a yonder partially because of the emotion I can express when we sing it.  Talking about variety, I do love our Christmas themed concerts, one of which is totally devoted to the music of Disney. I’m a huge Disney fan, and have proved this with five visits to Disneyland!

Have you had any memorable musical moments that gave you pride and satisfaction?

My most memorable moment with RMC would have to be my first annual concert with its formal atmosphere which I had never experienced before. Favourite places must include St David’s Cathedral in West Wales, and Leipzig Thomaskirche where we were involved in a Sunday morning Holy Mass. Apparently, we were the first Welsh male choir to sing at Thomaskirche!

However, I would have to admit that my most memorable, nervous, but proud moment, would be my solo as Thénadier in the song Master of the house from Les Misérables. It was my first ever solo performance, and I can honestly say it was a proud moment, even though I fluffed a line! 

Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir.

I was a qualified charge nurse for just under 10 years working in the University Hospital of Wales A&E dept. in Cardiff. I loved the role. However, due to health reasons, I had to give up my job. Type 1 diabetes, and more recently kidney failure, have been part of my life for 31 years. It’s now taken its toll. However, a brighter future is on the horizon. I will soon be placed onto the transplant list to receive a kidney and pancreas and hopefully can return to nursing in a less busy capacity than before.

Our Christmas concerts really show my love of the stage, and health allowing, I enjoy taking trips to London with my partner Geraint to see a show, do some shopping, some pampering, a slap up meal or two and generally enjoy a few luxuries.

More recently, I‘ve been landscaping my garden where I hope to create a wildlife friendly zone and grow some produce. Other than that, I’m a keen baker, and although I can’t eat too much sweet stuff myself because of the diabetes, I like to treat others. Carrot cake is my speciality!

A final thought, if you have one

Thank goodness for Zoom! I have thoroughly enjoyed our choir’s bi-monthly social meetings and quiz. It’s good to see everyone, but I miss singing very much indeed. I hope we can return to practice soon, and get back to some sort of new normality!