About Us
Our Story
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Wyre Forest Young Voices is the youth choir of Kidderminster Choral Society. WFYV was formed in 1997, under the direction of Geoff Weaver, and is now led by WFYV alumnus, Naomi Berry. Supported by accompanist Charlotte Jay-Jones, the choir now has over 50 members, aged 10 – 18 years.
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Wyre Forest Young Voices is open to anyone aged 10-18 who loves to sing, boasting fantastic performance opportunities and singing all styles and genres​
Our annual programme includes Fantastic Concerts, Away Days, Choir Tours, and much more!
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Our 2024 Tour saw our members performing in Buckfast Abbey and Truro Cathedral, as well as playing games, taking on a challenging high-ropes course and spending quality time together! More details from this trip can be found on our Latest Updates page.
Musical Director: Naomi Berry
Naomi's decision to pursue a career in music was due to her experiences, training and the support she received as a member of WFYV.
Now an alumna, she is a graduate of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. During this time, Naomi won a number of prestigious prizes, including the Anna Mansell cup for outstanding achievement. Naomi has worked with ExCathedra for many years, and has performed as a member of Genesis Sixteen. She now divides her time between her work as a Choral Director and Music Educator, supporting children with their musical development.
Meet the Team
Accompanist: Charlotte Jay-Jones
Charlotte primarily teaches piano through her own extensive practice based in Bromsgrove. Alongside her subject teaching role at RGS Dodderhill in Droitwich, she also works as their choral and instrumental accompanist, supporting young people's musical development and building their confidence as performers.
Charlotte has performed in various venues throughout the UK and Europe as both soloist and accompanist. When not playing the piano, Charlotte is kept very busy with her two young children.
Pastoral Lead and DSL: Kat Holmes
Kat's love of music was nurtured during her time as a member of WFYV and our children's choir, Primary Chords - now working as a Physics teacher, she enjoys the opportunity to facilitate that same experience for the next generation of young singers through her volunteer position at WFYV.
Kat leads our fantastic pastoral team and is responsible for safeguarding, in addition to being the key point for communication with parents.
07508 467881
Event Co-ordinator and Librarian: Jo Holmes
Jo was a WFYV parent for many years before assuming her role as Event Co-ordinator and Librarian. She is responsible for ensuring our members and musical team have all of the sheet music they need, as well as organising all of our wonderful concerts, day trips and tours.
Jo is also a well-valued member of our pastoral care team, and is affectionately referred to as "Momma Jo" by all at WFYV - young people and staff members alike!
Assistant Conductor and Pastoral Support: Brad Barlow
Brad has been part of the WFYV family for over a decade. Brad sits on the music team as a vocal coach and assistant conductor, whilst supporting the pastoral team to make each and every rehearsal fun!
Having trained as a singer under the internationally renowned Rhys Meirion as a tenor and spent time as a singer and choral conductor across the UK, Brad now splits his time between his job in education and his passion for music.
Pastoral Care: Jane Williams
Jane has sung with our parent choir, Kidderminster Choral Society, for many years, and her daughter sang with WFYV in her teenage years. She now provides invaluable pastoral support during rehearsals and concerts, utilising her years of experience as a primary school teacher.
In addition to these members of staff, we have a fantastic team of parent volunteers who support with rehearsals and concerts. We are always thrilled to welcome additional parent volunteers!
