The Choir
Musicality Singers is a friendly, Richmond-based ladies’ choir, performing concerts throughout the year.
We rehearse on a Monday evening, 7pm to 9pm, in Richmond Methodist Church (term time only).
The choir was formed in 2006 by Jean Robinson, who continues to sing with us as well as taking on the role of Choir Manager.
Our choir is made up of ladies of all ages, backgrounds and experience, but they all share a love of choral singing. Some can read music, others can’t, but under our Musical Director’s expert leadership, not reading music isn’t a problem.
All new members will receive a warm welcome and plenty of support from the other ladies to help you get to grips with everything. We also organise a social get-together termly to give everyone the chance to get to know one another better.
We don’t hold auditions but our Musical Director will check your range to ensure that you are placed in the right section and can blend well with the other ladies.
If you’re interested in joining us, click the button below to get in touch.
Meet the Team
Choir Manager & Founder – Jean Robinson
Over the decades Jean has been lead singer in folk/pop bands. In 2005 she joined guitarists Phil Biggs and Bert Bohanan to form a trio specialising in songs from the Great American Songbook. Later she and Bert formed a duo covering mainly the works of legendary singer/songwriters of the late 60s/70s; considered by many as the golden age of pop music.
Jean also spent many years as a member of Richmond Operatic Society.
On joining a small local choir she discovered the enjoyment of close harmony singing and this led to the ambition of one day forming a choir and eventually led to the birth of Musicality.
Starting with just eight members and under the musical direction of Gillian Ash, Musicality grew in number and success. After Gillian moved to Saltburn a few stand-in musical directors filled the post until through a stroke of good fortune Jean was made aware that Andrea Rhodes had indicated an interest in taking on the choir. Now Musicality enjoys the best of both worlds with Andrea as Musical Director and Gillian returning as the choir’s concert pianist.
Musical Director – Andrea Rhodes
Having been surrounded by music for as long as she can remember, Andrea has always loved singing, started the piano at five, and took up the violin at seven.
She studied Creative Arts and Music at Newcastle Polytechnic before training as a teacher at Bretton Hall College, which lead to her Andrea teaching music in secondary schools across South and West Yorkshire. In 2004 Andrea joined North Yorkshire Music Service, where she spent 22 years teaching piano, keyboard, singing and whole-class instrumental lessons, alongside private pupils. She retired from the service in summer 2026.
Andrea has directed and accompanied choirs across the region, including as accompanist and later Musical Director of the North Yorkshire Youth Choir, touring France and Belgium with them in 2025. As a singer, she’s performed with the Huddersfield Choral Society (including two appearances at the BBC Proms), the North Yorkshire Chorus and Northallerton Musical Theatre Company.
Andrea has been Musical Director of Northallerton Male Voice Choir since 2013, and took the helm at Musicality in March 2022. She loves working with the choir, helping members grow in confidence while sharing the joy of singing together.
Accompanist – Gillian Ash
Gillian Ash was Director and Accompanist for Musicality for over ten years when she lived in Richmond, and under her direction the choir won numerous awards at the Wensleydale Tournament of Song. Having retired to Saltburn, she now returns to play for their concerts.
Having studied Music at Edinburgh University, Gillian taught in many primary schools. She wrote songs for the children’s choirs, and directed and produced shows each year.
Gillian has directed shows for Richmond Operatic Society, accompanied numerous adult choirs, and has been Organist and Choir Director at several churches throughout her life.
Come & Sing With Us
We’re always happy to welcome new members.
Come along for a free taster session, no pressure, no auditions, just music and friendly faces.