Our Team | BAYC

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.