Matthew Rock - Musical Director
Matthew Rock - Musical Director
A professional entertainer, singer and all-round musician, Matthew’s performing career began aged 8 on the Octagon Theatre stage in his home town of Yeovil. By the age of 14 he was already "gigging" and by 16 was musically directing shows at the Octagon Theatre, whilst still studying at Yeovil College. In 1997 he graduated from Exeter University; before, during and since this time he has worked as a teacher, a vocal coach and Musical Director (MD).
Matthew has worked with numerous performing companies as MD, including Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society, Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society, Yeovil Youth Theatre and the Yeovil Show Company. His highlights include conducting full orchestras in shows such as West Side Story, Sweeney Todd and The King and I, to name but a few.
In 2001 he founded and set up two highly successful theatre companies in Yeovil - The Yeovil Show Co and Stagemakers School of Performance, both of which boast over ten successful years with some big productions at the Octagon Theatre. Nowadays Matthew is the founder and producer of Project Play, which started in 2017 and tours the Southwest Theatres.
As a performer Matthew has entertained audiences all over the UK and abroad. He is the voice behind the tribute show “ALMOST ELTON”, as well as the lead role in “LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING” a touring show that pays tribute to the musical performing icon Michael Ball. Matthew’s proudest moments as a performer include being at the heart of a major charity fundraiser THE GIGATHON for the Bristol Children’s Hospital, where nearly ten thousand pounds was raised as he took on 26 different performances in different venues, in one night! He also likes to visit care homes and sing for residents when the opportunity arises, recognising the difference that this can make.
Matthew is also a valued consultant for all types of event as his experience has allowed him to offer a number of wide-reaching sources of advice, from sound technology to event promotion and publicity.
Also a published composer, Matthew has written huge amounts of music having received commissions from all over the world.
When the pandemic required some innovative thinking, upon suggestion, Matthew successfully completed a Diploma in Family and Funeral Celebrancy, where he now takes great pride in helping families through both their happiest and saddest pivotal moments in life, which he considers to be one of his most rewarding privileges to date.
Ann Faulkner - Deputy Musical Director
The choir is thrilled to have amongst our members a very talented lady, Ann Faulkner.
Ann started learning the violin and the piano at the age of 7 and graduated from Bath University in 1986 with a BA Honours degree in Music.
She has 25 years’ experience in private piano and violin teaching and currently teaches violin, piano and guitar in various primary schools. Ann also arranges music for school orchestras and small ensembles as well as directing a small Christmas choir.
She is a much loved and invaluable member of Yeovilton Military Wives Choir. Not only does she sing in the Soprano 1 section but also accompanies us on piano for several of our songs. During rehearsals she will often split her time between singing and playing the piano, particularly when we are learning new songs. Ann has produced some of our musical training tracks which help our members when learning new material.
