MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Stephen Allen

Born in Birmingham and educated in Sandwell., Stephen developed a great interest in music from a young age. During his teens, he played Baritone in the Sandwell Youth Band, going on to perform with the Langley Band, and Woolley Pritchard Sovereign Brass. Highlights have included performing at London's Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham's Symphony Hall, and taking part in brass band tours of Sweden, Germany, France and the USA. Only recently, Stephen has returned to the brass band scene after a break of some 15 years, rejoining the Langley Band.

Stephen held the post of pianist at Warley Woods Methodist Church for 17 years and it was here that he gained his first conducting experience, whilst training a choir to perform several Christian Musicals.

Stephen's introduction to the Warley Male Choir came in January 2001, when he joined the bass section. His musicianship quickly marked him out as a future conductor and he became the choir's associate conductor in 2002. In 2003, he took on the role of the choir's Musical Director, following Bill Jones, who had held the position for the previous 52 years.

It is with Stephen's enthusiasm and dynamic leadership that the Choir looks forward to an exciting future, building on its proud platform as being one of the most well known and respected Choirs in the Midlands. In 2006, Stephen was Proud to be the Host Conductor for the English Association of Male Voice Choirs in a Concert held at the Great Hall, Birmingham University, a significant highlight in Stephen's Conducting career so far.

A Regional Liability Underwriter for a Major Insurer in his working life, Stephen also enjoys playing Golf, listening to music on his ipod and spending time with his family (when he gets the chance !).