Betty Roe

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Roe

In 1949 Betty went to the Royal Academy as a senior student. Her professors were York Bowen (piano), Alison Dalrymple (cello), Jean McKenzie-Grieve (singing). After leaving she continued singing lessons, with Clive Carey, Roy Hickman, Peter van der Stolk and Margaret Field-Hyde. She studied composition with Lennox Berkeley for a short time.

In the 1940s and 50s she gained considerable practical experience with local churches – both singing and playing the organ.

After leaving the RAM, as well as holding a number of church music posts as organist and choirmaster, she was (1968-78) Director of Music at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), and worked extensively as a session singer with leading London groups and ensembles. On the lighter side she worked with celebrities including Cliff Richard, Harry Secombe, Cilla Black, The Two Ronnies and on Top of the Pops. She has conducted choirs and groups variously, and the NorthKen Chorale (as Musical Director of NorthKen Concerts) since 1980.

As a composer Betty is best known for her solo songs, church and choral music, revue songs, musicals, and music for schools. She spends most of her time now composing, adjudicating, conducting, staffing summer-schools, music weekends and workshops with groups of all ages and abilities, as well as presenting her one-woman shows.

Betty was appointed MBE for services to Classical Music and to Composition in the New Years Honours list 2011.