20 February 2014 charliemic@hotmail.co.

uk
um10cc@leeds.ac.uk
07594 203 248
Dear Peter Murray,
I have come across the Fieweles Trust Bursary today and would like to present myself for
consideration for some funding.
I am a final year student studying BA Music at the University of Leeds, and also the
Choirmaster and Organist at Holy Trinity Church, Meanwood, Leeds. I received an offer today (20
th

February) to study MMus in Choral Studies at the University of Cambridge: an incredibly exciting
opportunity to develop my choral conducting skills in an academic setting. The course and college
fees are 8,730 and the University quote maintenance costs of 10,167 all of which I am having to
fund independently.
I am often frustrated with the way the Universities, Colleges and Cathedrals are the central
preserves of quality choral music, and often it is very difficult for people to get involved in it outside
of this setting. It is also noticeable that singing in schools is declining. This is a terrible shame, as
choral singing is not only good for the development of the brain, but also provides an opportunity to
develop social skills. I wish to take the skills I learn on the MMus at Cambridge and try to increase
the amount and quality of music in schools, workplaces, and the general culture.
Before University I helped found a Junior Music Group and Adult Choir in a village, and
performed a large variety of secular and sacred music, including the occasional large musical
production. It was, and continues to be 4 years after my departure, a great vessel for social cohesion
and community spirit, as well as an opportunity for the children to gain in confidence and the adults
to interact with people from all ages and walks of life. The membership rose to over 60, which
reflects a large proportion of the population of the area (almost all of the children and 10% of
adults). I have taught Singing at Stagecoach Theatre Arts in Doncaster, and worked for their Head
Office as Assistant Musical Director of a showcase in London with a cast of children.
At the University of Leeds I conducted the Union Music Society Concert Band, an un-
auditioned group comprising students of all abilities and degree disciplines, as I believe it is
important for music to be accessible to all. I also conducted the Orchestra and Choir at Devonshire
Hall (also non-selective) in a collaborative work of my own arranging. I often arrange or compose
music for the choir at Holy Trinity to match it to the ability and strengths of the choir, and to ensure
it is suitable for the occasion. As an organist, pianist or singer I have performed solo recitals,
accompanied musical exams and concerts (including at Leeds Town Hall), performed for BBC3, and
sung with many choirs (including Coventry Cathedral Choir, Leeds Cathedral Choir and Leeds Minster
Choir).
My skills as a professional musician have been developed not only through these things but
also my current church job, singing with Clothworkers Consort of Leeds, playing various instruments
(Trumpet, Tuba, Piano) in numerous ensembles at University and outside, and being involved in
community projects such as Leeds Holocaust Memorial Day and Meanwoods InterAct Group.
The Arts are vitally important to a healthy culture. Ive been given a unique opportunity to
take a step closer to my goal of contributing to this. Thank you for your consideration.
Charlie Calver