Ria is a vocal coach and performer of international repute. As a lead singer, session vocalist, recording artist and arranger she has worked with household names in such venues as The London Palladium, Blenheim Palace, The Hippodrome and the Delfont Room in the West End, Lincoln Castle and countless theatres throughout the UK. Ria is also one of the UK's leading contemporary vocal coaches, holding both a Master's degree and a PhD in contemporary vocals / education. She is Principal of contemporary-vocals college VIDLA. OBL (Our Beloved Leader, as we call her!) is the driving force and the passion behind VU's incredible energy and is responsible, in a very literal way, for The VU Sound. Has, upon occasion, been described as 'lairy'. We couldn't possibly comment.
Manager: Anne Bradshaw
Anne is a Worcester Ambassador and the amazing Chief of Operations at VU Towers! She handles the day-to-day business affairs of The VU Sound, including the huge amount of administration that goes with running a group of 130 people. She organises auditions, liaises with venues and bookers, and generally ensures that VU runs like a well-oiled machine. This she does with a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and tweeting birdies circling her head. She's also a dab hand with a colour-coded spreadsheet. Ask anybody.
Keeper of the Faith: Martin Bradshaw
Martin is not only the Keeper of the Faith (VU's first member and most stalwart supporter) but also the Keeper of the Register, the Fire Safety Officer, the Health & Safety officer and the legal go-to guy. And in real life, he's not nearly as geeky as that makes him sound!
Captain Choral: David Payne
David, who actually isn't 'choral' at all but a kickin' contemporary vocalist, fulfils an indispensable role at VU - he writes the legendary 'Blokes Notes' after every rehearsal, reminding his Comrade Brethren where they went wrong and what needs improving. It's probably just as well he's a popular sort........
Bill & Diane Adams: Technical Support
Bill is a semi-professional musician and experienced soundman, and together with his wife Diane looks after The VU Sound every Tuesday during rehearsals, and at some gigs. Without these two lovely folks, rehearsals would be a lot more difficult and lot less fun - they make sure that we have a great environment in which to rehearse, and we wouldn't be without them!
