Shannon Express – Musical Director

Ryan  Wainright-Meekins

I started my music education in the Salvation Army, before deciding to pursue this further. I went to Anglia Ruskin University where I qualified with a first degree honours. During this time, I had the honour of singing at Emmanuel College Cambridge, touring around the world and performing in some fantastic venues in the UK. After finishing my degree, I joined Emmanuel college as a postgraduate student and did my teaching qualification at The University of Cambridge. During my undergraduate, I was part of a mixed voice quartet that performed for my ensemble modules, helping me to gain top marks for performance each year. I have since been a Music teacher for 5 years, with 2 of those as Head of Music, running many ensembles, from choirs and male A Capella groups to a big band and orchestra.

Shannon has a fantastic history and has been a top 10 chorus numerous times, as well as winning gold twice in the 90’s. I am enthused to take the chorus from strength to strength, working on singing principles and techniques that underpin all performances. As well as preparing for competitions, I’m also excited to do lots of sing outs, promoting the chorus to our local community.

Aside from my Musical life, I enjoy playing golf and badminton, as well as regularly swimming. I have a loving wife and together we have a small Bichon Frise named Winnie. We enjoy countryside walks (often with cake and coffee stops) as well as going on holidays to France.