Dunottar School > Senior School > Music > Dunottar Choral Society

Dunottar Choral Society

Who We Are

We are a very friendly and warm choir and we love to welcome new members. There are no auditions and no need to read music. We rehearse on Thursday evenings during the school term between 7 and 9 pm, in The Ballroom, at Dunottar School, Reigate, RH2 7EL. We have a short break around 8pm for a tea/coffee.

We understand that people have busy lives, holidays and family engagements but we do ask you to be present for as many rehearsals as possible. We sing a wide repertoire from major choral works to musical theatre, sacred to pop music. We plan for three events per year and sing at the Dunottar School Carol Service. We also have social events and collaborations with other choirs.

Subscriptions are currently £20 per term.

Our History

In September 1993, Terry Lamont, then Head of Music at Dunottar School was persuaded by an assertive group of Year 11 girls to create a choir which combined pupils and their parents. So, letters were sent out with the school newsletter, a large crowd assembled in the dining hall and the Dunottar Choral Society was born!

Following Carols at Christmas, our first concert was Vivaldi’s Gloria sung in St. Matthew’s Church, Redhill in March 1994. The choir went from strength to strength performing major choral works with guest soloists, Evensong, Christmas Carols and Soirees.

Music Director

Our Music Director is Ira Thomas GGSM; LGSM (MT); LRAM, who joined us in 2021. Ira was awarded a place at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama where she studied piano, trumpet and voice. Following her graduation, Ira continued her studies gaining a Diploma in Music Therapy and going on to work in prisons, psychiatry and with children and adults with extreme challenges. For 16 years she was part of the Salvation Army’s Premier Choir who travelled across the world and appeared on television regularly. She was the choir’s Assistant Conductor for six years and is no stranger to conducting in The Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall, South Bank and other concert venues. For all her working life she has worked in her local music services, including Merton Music Foundation, Sutton (Cognus) and Kingston Music Service. She continues to teach privately.

Our Accompanist

Our accompanist is Emma Denny who joined us in 2024. Emma has been a music teacher, accompanist and choral director for many years in and around the Reigate area. She started her teaching career at Dunottar, when it still had its Junior Department, and took their choirs to many choral events; from the O2 to Charterhouse School Chapel. Since those times, Emma has been Director of Music for various Prep Schools and outside of her career, she has directed many local amateur company shows and church choirs.

Our Next Events

29th March 2025 – Come and Sing Karl Jenkins’ “The Armed Man”, Reigate Methodist Church, 10am – 4.30pm
21st June 2025 – Reigate Summer Festival, Reigate Methodist Church, 7.30 – 8.00pm

Thinking About Joining?

Why not come on a Thursday? You can join in or just sit and listen if you prefer. Meet outside the main entrance door of Dunottar School at 6.55pm. Bring a mug for tea/coffee.