Choristers up close - Phil Sargeant
Phil Sargeant
Section - Tenor 2
How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?
I was the landlord of the Tredegar Arms in Rogerstone for over 18 years and on numerous occasions, many of the choristers visited the pub for a few social drinks after their choir practices and concerts. One of those choristers was the late Stevie Ramm. He was the main instigator in persuading me to join the choir, and, with retirement looming, it seemed like the right time to start a new venture.
With that in mind, in March 2011, I went along to listen to the choir practising for the first time, and I was accompanied by second tenor, Cliff Edwards. I was immediately made to feel welcome and overwhelmed by the sound and structure of the choir…… and that was the beginning of my new chapter as a Risca Male Choir chorister.
How long have you been with our choir and what are the things that helped you stay?
After being initially voice tested by the Music Director, I was placed in the second tenor section and my appointed mentor was Cliff Edwards. Practices were made more interesting due to the wide variety of songs from musical theatre right through to Disney classics, Classical items and Opera. The excitement of singing at concerts home and away, in front of live audiences, thrills me and 11 years on, I still get a great sense of satisfaction from all our hard work.
What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?
Joining the choir has introduced me to so many different styles of music which I didn’t realise I would enjoy so much. For instance, musical theatre, classical pieces, spirituals, items sung in Welsh, Latin, French and German. These can often be challenging to learn. Some in particular I found very challenging…..Bristol Roads, The Ballad of Little Musgrave to name a few, but the satisfaction of performing these pieces made it all worthwhile. A few of my favourites are Y Tangnefeddwyr , Benedictus by Robat Arwen, Close thine eyes and Bring him home from Les Miserables and many more.
Have you had any memorable musical moments that gave you pride and satisfaction?
There have been so many memorable moments but just to mention a few:
The choir trip to Belgium, in particular our participation at the memorial service held at Thiepval Monument in Authuille France with the Welsh Regimental Band and the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate at Ypres.
The joint concert with the Dalesman at St David’s Cathedral Pembrokeshire where both choirs came together to perform Morte Christe accompanied by the magnificent cathedral organ.
The trip to Romsay Abbey with the Woodfalls Band and to participate in the winning of the battle of the choirs in Torquay and finally…..
Walking out onto the Principality Stadium for a Wales v South Africa Rugby International and singing both National Anthems in front of a crowd of 72,000 will remain with me forever
Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir
After leaving school, I attended a pre-apprenticeship course at Nash Technical College for Electrical and Technical Engineering after which I secured a 5 year apprenticeship with British Steel where I worked for 16 years. In 1980, after the National Steel Strike, I decided to take a course in Hotel Management at Ebbw Vale College where I was approached by Welsh Brewers (Bass UK) to be trained for the Licensing Trade.
In the last 30 years, supported by my wife Sandra, we successfully managed Pub/Restaurants in Cardiff (The Deri, Rhiwbina and Hollybush, Whitchurch) and also Newport (Ye Olde Oak Stave and The Friendly Fox) to name a few. We eventually ran our own Pub/Restaurant, The Tredegar Arms in Rogerstone, for 18 years winning various awards, one of which was Pub Restaurant of the year for the Newport and Gwent area whilst also raising money for local charities.
Both our children, Emma and Gareth and their spouses, have supported us in all we do and given us 6 amazing grandchildren which keeps us busy plus two crazy dogs, Henry and Ronnie. In 2020, we celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary and was able to mark the occasion with family and friends during the easing of lockdown. I also enjoy travelling, gardening and socialising, and my main hobbies were playing Rugby, Cricket and Golf in my early years.
A final thought, if you have one
The last two years have been very challenging for everyone but I hope to continue in the choir as the last 11 years have been exceptionally rewarding for me. I have been tutored by two amazing Music Directors, Martin and Tomos who have their own musical styles, and would like to thank them for all their hard work. I would also like to mention Alison and very much appreciate her continued support.
The hardest part was stepping over the front door but once I did, I never looked back. Good luck and all the best for the future Tomos, remember the lads when you’re famous.
