Gillian Dibden MBE
MBE For Services to Youth Choral Music in Berkshire 2009
G.R.S.M., A.R.C.M.
Churchill Fellow 2002
Sainsbury's Choral Director of the Year 2002
Choral Director, Workshop Leader,
Project Director
Taplow Rectory, Maidenhead,
Berks. SL6 0ET, United Kingdom.
Tel. & Fax: 01628 661182
Mobile: 07799 413746
E Mail: choirgillian@btinternet.com
Higher Education
Royal College of Music (1st Study piano, 2nd study: cello)
Gillian spent a number of years as a school music teacher in the State and Private Sectors, Primary and Secondary. During this time her Chamber Choir from St Bernard’s Convent School won both the National and International prizes in the (European Broadcasting Union sponsored) choral competition “Let the Peoples Sing”.
Gillian was Head of Voice and Choral Music for the Berkshire Young Musicians Trust for many years. During this time she founded Berkshire Youth Choir, Berkshire Girls’ Choir and Berkshire Boys’ Choir. Between them they won the Youth Category of the Sainsbury’s Choir of the Year Competition (twice), the overall prize once (beating adult choirs), and the Junior Choirs Category. They also won numerous prizes at the National Festival of Music for Youth, and performed at The Schools Proms in the Royal Albert Hall. In 2002 Gillian was named (national) Choral Director of the Year.
In 2004 Gillian became a freelance musician. She founded Taplow Choirs, and has worked as a workshop leader for choirs and Choral Societies all over the UK . She also delivers ‘inset’ days for teachers, and gives presentations at several of the UK ’s foremost Choral Conventions. Gillian adjudicates for the Radio 3 Choir of the Year Competition and for the National Festival of Music for Youth. She works with the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, and regional Youth Choirs from throughout the country. Gillian is a former member of the Council of the Association of British Choral Directors and has been involved as a leader in the National 'Sing Up!' programme with them.
Gillian is Academic Executive for the Montgomery-Holloway Music Trust, and consultant in vocal studies to Slough Music Service. She also directs Borlase Community Choir and welcomes new members of any age and experience to join this choir, which rehearses on Wednesday evenings.
Gillian has also worked for the Education Department at London's Wigmore Hall.