Huge congratulations are in order for our alto rep Tess who joined the Metropolitan Police Choir at the time of its formation as a mixed voice choir in 2016 and who has just received her MPAA Colours after being recommended by the MPC committee. Tess (pictured below with some other altos) said “I am really honoured to have been awarded Colours for services to the MPC. The choir is such a very special part of my life and has brought me a great deal of joy and I do sincerely thank the committee for having nominated me. Being the rep for such a great bunch of women is always a source of immense entertainment and pleasure”.
Her boundless enthusiasm for singing and desire to really bring the best out of the alto section is an inspiration to everyone. In addition Tess is also one of those members who attends virtually all of the choir’s rehearsals, performances, socials and concerts providing detailed singing notes to her section along the way to help those who have missed rehearsals.
And that’s not all she does. We offer choristers the chance to learn music via online practice tracks – Tess volunteered to create those practice tracks for the choir using a notation program, requiring her to input each individual note for each section; and she does this for every single piece that we sing. Hours of dedication which benefits everyone.
Alongside the above, Tess has made a huge contribution to the general running and administration of the choir. Becoming the alto rep and joining the committee and then continuing as a trustee when the choir became a registered charity, she fully played her part in helping the MPC overcome the huge challenges to choirs everywhere presented by the pandemic.
Her leadership ensures that new members feel welcomed and part of the section from their first rehearsal. It is obvious that she has the support and confidence of her alto colleagues as she is voted back on to the role year after year. Long-standing alto singer Julie Ferguson summed up by saying “Tess is a fabulous leader who encourages us to do our best – she doesn’t miss a trick in rehearsals and is always there for guidance and support.”
So from everyone at the MPC – and the alto section in particular – thank you Tess for all you do!
