Behind every Simply Singing rehearsal are the people who choose the music, bring everyone together and help make Wednesday something to look forward to.
In our Meet the People Behind Simply Singing series, we’re introducing some of the people who help make the choir what it is. And where better to start than with the person who started it all, Simon Percy, founder and Musical Director of Simply Singing.
A lifetime of music
Simon’s musical journey began at a young age, learning both trombone and piano alongside taking singing lessons. He went on to achieve Grade 8 ABRSM in trombone, piano, singing and music theory, before studying for a degree in Music at the University of Reading.
After graduating, Simon initially followed a career in teaching, working first in primary education before moving into the secondary sector.
It was during this time that he came to an important realisation. The part of music he loved most was performing and taking part because he wanted to, not because it was something he had to do for a living.
Simon eventually left teaching and chose a career away from music, allowing music to become something he could enjoy on his own terms.
That decision certainly didn’t mean doing less of it.
Over the years, Simon has played both trombone and keyboard in pit orchestras for numerous local musical theatre groups. Around 25 years ago, he took another step when he became Musical Director of what was then Barton and District Amateur Operatic Society.
He had found his niche.
From the orchestra pit to the podium
Since first taking up the baton, Simon has developed an extensive career as a Musical Director.
He currently works with Curtain Up Productions in Grimsby, Gainsborough Musical Theatre Society, Louth Playgoers and Scunthorpe Musical Theatre Society, bringing his encouraging and supportive approach to singers and musicians across the region.
His music-making extends well beyond musical theatre too.
Simon regularly supports brass and wind bands and has competed at the Brass Band Regional and National Championships, from Fourth Section through to Championship Section level.
His musical experiences have also taken him considerably further afield. He performed aboard the QE2 in Dubai as part of celebrations for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and has marched with the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Band at the Remembrance Day parade at the Menin Gate in Belgium.
Across all of those experiences, from orchestra pits and rehearsal rooms to large-scale performances, one quality has remained particularly important: helping the people around him make music to the best of their ability.
Bringing that experience to Simply Singing
As founder and Musical Director, Simon has brought that same supportive approach to Simply Singing.
The choir is built around an idea that fits particularly well with Simon’s own musical journey: you don’t have to make music professionally for it to be an important part of your life.
Simply Singing gives people the opportunity to come together each week and enjoy making music, whatever their previous experience might be.
Simon leads both our afternoon and evening rehearsals, helping members tackle new songs, build confidence and develop as a choir — but without losing sight of the reason everyone is there in the first place.
To enjoy singing.
His dynamic, encouraging style means rehearsals can involve plenty of musical detail, but also plenty of laughter. Mistakes are part of learning, questions are welcome and nobody is expected to arrive already knowing everything.
It is an approach shaped by a lifetime of making music and a belief that some of the best music-making happens when people are there simply because they want to be.
A final word
From learning the trombone and piano as a child to conducting musical theatre, performing with bands and ultimately founding Simply Singing, music has taken Simon to some remarkable places.
But perhaps the most important thread running through his story is much simpler: music should be something you can enjoy.
That idea continues to shape Simply Singing today, a place to make music, meet people, build confidence and enjoy being part of something together.
And every Wednesday, Simon is still there at the front, ready to get everyone singing.
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