Our Story...
The roots of Ballyclare Male Choir were first set in 1920 with the formation of a male choir, mainly from men returning from the Great War. Often referred to as the Legion or Old Comrades Choir, its first conductor Joseph Howieson was a Scot and an ex-service man. In the early 1930's a Belfast insurance man, Albert McClenaghan, was appointed as Precentor in 2nd Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church and he had a burning ambition to re-form the male choir. One of his church choir members, W J Stewart OBE was the instigator and organiser of what was then to be called Ballyclare and District Male Voice Choir. With Albert as its first conductor and William J Stewart as chairman, an initial twenty four choristers came together in September 1933.
Check back here soon to read more about Our Story - coming soon!
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The Music Team:
Conductor: Sheelagh Greer BEM - BMus ATCL Dip ABRSM
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Sheelagh Greer joined the choir in October 2012 as our Accompanist and Deputy Conductor and is a freelance musician and private music tutor. She is well known as a Mezzo Soprano, having been on many concert platforms across NI and UK. She began her musical career at a young age, playing the piano. Sheelagh also founded and conducts The Clare Chorale, is organist of Ballynure Methodist Church and is a singer with NI Opera.
She has been involved with BBC NI as a presenter of 'Showstoppers', and has been an adjudicator for the BBC School Soloist of the Year. In 2019 Sheelagh was awarded Mighty Woman in Music. In 2022, Sheelagh was recognised by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council with a Centenary Citizen's Award for her services to music in the community. |
Accompanist: Sam Hyde - BSc (Hons) PGCE
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Sam Hyde joined Ballyclare Male Choir as its accompanist in September 2024. Sam is a local lad, growing up in Templepatrick. Married with two children, he spends much of his time with his family but in his spare time, he enjoys going to musicals and singing.
Sam began to learn the piano at the age of 7 years, and continued lessons throughout his school years, working his way through his Grades with Trinity College London. During his university years, he played piano at The Templeton Hotel (now The Rabbit) in Templepatrick, playing in the lounge at weekends, as well as playing for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Now a qualified teacher, he trains the choir and orchestra at Loanends Primary School, where he teaches P7. He is currently the Assistant Musical Director of music at Killead Presbyterian Church, where he plays piano each Sunday to lead worship. His experience in accompanying choirs is varied, including school, WI, YFCU and other choral societies. Now as the official accompanist for BMC, he is enjoying expanding his repertoire and hopes to continue providing a high quality of musical accompaniment in our choir’s musical journey. |
Our Music
Over the years Ballyclare Male Choir has produced a number of recordings both on vinyl and in CD format. Our latest recording is a available for purchase by clicking here.
The tracks include:
What Would I do Without My Music My Heart Will Go On
Rachie The Prayer
To Where You Are The Lord Is My Shepherd
The Mulligan Musketeers That Lucky Old Sun
There Will I Be Danny Boy
The Wonder Of You Music In The Air
Sweet Caroline Sing Your Way Home
Vive L'Amour Ireland's Call
The tracks include:
What Would I do Without My Music My Heart Will Go On
Rachie The Prayer
To Where You Are The Lord Is My Shepherd
The Mulligan Musketeers That Lucky Old Sun
There Will I Be Danny Boy
The Wonder Of You Music In The Air
Sweet Caroline Sing Your Way Home
Vive L'Amour Ireland's Call
Choir Members
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First Tenor
Robert Adams Tony Irwin Billy Kerr David Mills Norman McBriar Gerry McCarry Kenny McIlroy William McKittrick Fred Wylie |
Second Tenor
David Barr James Caldwell Norman Carmichael Trevor Forsythe Paul Mallon Cesar Navarro |
Baritone
Colin Campbell Joe Doherty Dick Grey Louis Irvine Geoff Marks Les Simms |
Second Bass
Daniel Arthurs Derek Boyd Morris Hamilton David Hewett Alex Mackay Frank McCleery Jonathan Marshall Jim Steele Jack Weir |
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Click here to view our Constitution document