Choristers up close - Rod Evans
Rod Evans
Section - Tenor 2
How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?
I’ve always loved music and singing from an early age. I suffered with severe asthma as a young lad, and my lung capacity was restricted. Learning to control my erratic breathing during this period was a real struggle. From a singing point of view, I totally understand the meaning and importance of breathing techniques presented by both Tomos and Martin alike.
Whilst listening to the vocal performances of many artists, over the years, I enjoyed performing my versions of the Great American Songbook and Rock and Roll numbers, including tributes to much loved artists Matt Monroe, Bobby Darin, Dion Di Mucci and many more.
I enjoy many genres of music, from Punk Rock, Northern Soul, to the sounds of the Big Bands. In recent years, and being introduced to the talent that is Singer Songwriter, Declan McManus (Elvis Costello) by my wife Judith, my appreciation towards his thought process and delivery of a piece of music have grown: what a unique artist!
Getting back to the question in hand, I always loved listening to the choirs before kick-off at the National Stadium, and always felt proud to be Welsh admiring this great tradition from our industrial and religious background, but never considered joining one.
Whilst on a visit through my work, I was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of the late Gordon Holley, who was proudly wearing his choir uniform. On clocking the badge on Mr Holley’s blazer, I asked a question, of which my answer was greeted with instructions of what to do next without fail. 5 Years later I’m still privileged to be a member of Risca Male Choir, and will always be thankful for the instruction provided to me by Mr Gordon Holley that day.
We realise that you’ve only been in the choir for a relatively short time, but what are the things which have helped you stay so far?
It was quite daunting walking into the practice room not knowing what to expect, and what the process was going to be. But from the moment the first chord came towards me from this mass of faces, the task became even more daunting, as I thought “Could I actually sing?
Not being too controversial though, I didn’t expect to end up in the most difficult section of the choir as a 2nd Tenor. However, with guidance from fellow choristers, John Lacy, Dave Jones and my appointed mentor, Dave Tutton, all with many years experience, to keep me in check, hopefully I’m finally getting there.
The dedication, camaraderie and passion for what the choir and music team want to achieve, makes it all worthwhile, especially with the diversity of the choir, and performing the many arrangements that Martin and now Tomos have produced. I’m gaining a better understanding of choral music and the vocal techniques, and performing in different languages, even Welsh. In addition, not knowing what challenge is around the corner is exciting
What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?
I have enjoyed singing most pieces, but particularly enjoy the flow and ease of the Italian pieces with personal favourites being Va pensiero (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves), Nella fantasia (Choral version of Gabriel’s Oboe) and Geraint Davies’s Requiem Aeternum. It has been an experience to learn the real words of many of the Welsh songs I’ve tried to sing over the years, and to be tutored the proper meaning and pronunciation of the pieces. (Anfonaf Angel is a beautiful example).
Finally, all of the themed shows music is great fun, and great to be part of the choir when performing with added accompaniment (extra keyboard and percussion) for those events.
What do you think you might look forward the in the future, perhaps having heard from longer serving choristers of memorable moments in the past?
I’m looking forward to every opportunity that will come, to perform in amazing venues with stunning architecture and amazing acoustics, to the more challenging venues, and audiences that appreciate the amazing sound the choir and music team produce.
Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir
I have been married to Judith for 30 years. We have one daughter Jill, two beautiful grandchildren Ollie & Millie, a witty son in law, Nicholas, 2 Cats and a dog, and I love them all very much. Supporting them provides much of my focus outside of the choir and work.
I have worked in the construction industry for over 30 years, travelling to jobs all over the UK. I started as a manual operative before moving into project management. I now manage Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly Care & Repair Agency. The team helps support our older, sometimes vulnerable, clients throughout both boroughs to stay safe within their own homes. We also provide support to partner organisations within the NHS and social care.
I enjoy playing snooker, cycling, painting landscapes and playing the guitar to a basic level. Up until joining the choir this had been my only encounter with written music.
A final thought, if you have one
I would like to offer a big thank you to the music team, committee, and choristers, both past and present, who have made the experience so far very rewarding. And I would advise anyone thinking of joining a choir to go for it!
