
Bradford and Airedale
Youth Choir
Changing Futures Through Opportunities in Music

Outstanding Arts and Cultural Award Finalists
Our team grows with the choir. Find out about volunteering opportunities on the 'Work With Us' page.
EMMA BRADNUM, FOUNDER AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR
- A founder and director of BAYC
- Owner of Bradnum Vocals
- Musical Director of Ilkley Youth Choir, Ilkley Stage Singers, Morrisingers and Together Choir
- Singing Teacher at North Halifax Grammar School and Moorfield School
- Assistant Musical Director at Baildon Village Voices 2016-2022
- Principal of Stagecoach Performing Arts Bradford (April 2009 - December 2018)
- Assistant Musical Director of Stagecoach North East Regional Choir (2014 - 2018)
- Certified Level 3 Instructor with the Institute for Vocal Advancement
- Trained in choral conducting (ABCD)
- Trained in teaching young voices
- Participant in choral workshops by John Rutter, Bob Chilcott and Deke Sharon
- Holds a Diploma in singing and Grade 8 flautist
- A singing teacher, Vocal Coach and instrumental teacher (flute, piccolo, saxophone, piano)
- Holds a certificate in Vocal Health First Aid (Vocal Health Education) Level 2 NCFE
- A member of the Association of Teachers of Singing and the Incorporated Society of Musicians
- Training in Understanding Autism (Amaze Autism)
- Has annual Safeguarding Training

STEPHEN BRADNUM, ASSISTANT MUSICAL DIRECTOR
- Holds a Degree in Music and a Post-Graduate Certificate of Teaching
- Trained with the first cohort of the Young Conductors Apprenticeship Scheme (ABCD)
- Trained by David Lawrence (Young Voices), Bob Chilcott, Mike Brewer and Alan Simmons
- Co-directs Ilkley Youth Choir and Ilkley Stage Singers
- Taught singing at Stagecoach Schools since 2002
- Directed the Stagecoach North East Regional Choir
- Conducted Huddersfield Choral Society Youth Choir 2002-2003
- Teaches singing for Musica Kirklees and at Moorfield School, Ilkley
- Teaches brass in secondary schools and works with Musica Jazz
- An internationally renowned arranger of brass and choral music
- Conducts Hot Aire! Concert Band
- Has annual Safeguarding Training

BECS LEIGHTON, FOUNDER AND ADMINISTRATOR
- A founder and previous director of BAYC
- Owner of Becs Leighton Music
- Accompanist and arranger for Barnsley Singers to April 2019
- Accompanist and arranger for Village Voices (2016 - 2019)
- Trained in choral conducting by ABCD and Dr Michael Barrett
- Trained by Kodály UK in musicianship education and conducting
- Trained in teaching singing by Jenevora Williams and Vocal Process
- A diploma-qualified piano, flute and music theory teacher (DipLCM)
- A published arranger and composer, and freelance accompanist
- Distinctions in ABRSM Grade 8 piano and LCM Grade 8 flute
- A member of the Musician's Union, the British Flute Society, and the Curious Piano Teachers
- A former Speech and Language Therapist specialising in Learning Disabilities

All our Musical Directors hold enhanced DBS checks, and up-to-date certificates in Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding and Child Protection. BAYC is a member of Making Music and holds relevant insurances.