Carol Pemberton MBE
Carol is the founder and Musical Director of Black Voices since 1987. She is a classically trained musician, (cello, piano, saxophone and a number of wind instruments) with a passion for the human voice. Carol has over 30 years experience of working in SBOT with choirs. She has helped to establish many choirs across the UK as well as France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Carol has led the Gospel Choir course at Dartington International Summer School for over 18 years.
It was in recognition of her extensive work and commitment to promoting and preserving SBOT that she was awarded the MBE in 2014.
Shereece Storrod
Shereece is the youngest member of the company. A graduate of the University of Westminster with a BA (Hons) in Commercial Music and a Master of Music in Song Writing from Bath Spa University passing with Merit. Shereece is a talented singer, songwriter and arranger. She runs many youth choirs including the World Music Youth Choir in Birmingham (run in collaboration with BV and Birmingham Music Service) as well as leading workshops for Harrow Music Service, Music For Change and The Prince’s Trust.
Cecelia Wickham-Anderson
Celia’s rare bass range contributes much to BV’s unique sound. She is a classically trained musician who also plays cello and piano. Celia has directed her own vocal groups and was a member of the London Adventist Chorale before joining BV. Celia has over 14 years experience of leading workshops on behalf of BV. She also leads many community choirs across the UK including Harrow Gospel Choir, Chelmsford Community Choir and Reading Community Choir. Celia with Carol set up Lichfield Community Choir (still 85 members strong) back in 2005.
Sandra Francis
Singing has always been a great passion for Sandra. She learned to experiment with harmonies from an early age singing with her family and in church. Sandra has sung with many Birmingham- based bands covering soul, Motown, funk and jazz funk. Central to BV’s sound and with Carol an original member, she has travelled the world and seen the company blossom from its informal beginnings into the internationally acclaimed quintet that it is today.
Beverley Robinson
With over 10 years experience as a vocal trainer and educator Beverley has coached some of Birmingham’s finest singers. She studied at Birmingham Conservatoire and Birmingham City University and specialises in developing vocal technique, performance and music theory. As an accomplished vocalist, Beverley has travelled the world with Black Voices, with numerous performances on TV and Radio as well as a diverse range of studio and live sessions with a range of established and upcoming artists.
www.blackvoices.co.uk
