Barton And District Amateur Operatic Society

The Committee

OFFICERS :

                                           Chair -                            David Phillips

                                          Vice Chair -                   Debbie Shepherd

                                         Secretary -                     Rebecca Leah

                                         Treasurer-                      Lisa Redfern

                                        Press and Publicity -   John McKenzie

                                        Minutes Secretary -     Janet Clapson

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Eileen Bell, Sandra Bright, Nicola Knapton, Jill Robinson, David Spence

A LITTLE HISTORY - HOW BADAOS WAS FORMED.

Barton and District Amateur Operatic Society was formed in November 1979. The formation of the society was the collaboration of ideas by three individuals who wished to give the people of Barton Upon Humber, and the surrounding villages the opportunity to perform on stage.

The three people who set up what we know today as BADAOS were :

Ray Smithson - (Headteacher of Baysgarth School)

Barrie Cooper - (Teacher at Baysgarth School)

Alan Wright - (Music Teacher at Baysgarth School)

Since its formation in 1979, the society has developed from strength to strength, now regularly performing concerts as well as entertaining capacity audiences in the yearly production.

The first muscial production to be staged by BADAOS was Oklahoma!, performed at Baysgarth School  in May 1980.

Baysgarth School remains the 'base' for BADAOS. Rehearsals are held, in the school hall every Tuesday from 7.30pm until 9.30pm (term time only).

Throughout the years, the main school hall in which the yearly productions and concerts are performed has been significantly developed to give audiences the best possible experience.

Tiered seating has been added, along with a first class sound system. New lighting and lighting boards were purchased and more recently the stage has had the curtains refurbished, adding to the professional  look to the venue. When a production is ready to begin, the hall is tramsformed into a theatre.

Click here to see pictures of the theatre.

Mr Peter Kirton - founder member of BADAOS - passed away 2003.

In 2003, a valued member and friend of the society passed away. Peter Kirton was a founder member of BADAOS, who was keen, enthusiastic and a real character within the society. Peter is sadly missed by all who knew him.

In the memory of Peter Kirton, BADAOS has purchased some folders from a donation kindly left by Peter, in his memory. Now whenever BADAOS perform, the music will be held in these folders and Peter Kirton will be remembered.

Link to a picture of the folder. 

The Production Team

Musical Director                              Simon Percy

Simon Percy has been the musical director for BADAOS since the year 2000 when he took over the baton for the production of Carousel.

Simon studied music at Reading University and has a BA (Ed) honours degree in music.

Simon started out at the tender age of 7 when he began to learn the piano. His talent for music became more and more apparent, and by the age of 10, Simon had begun playing the tuba (E flat bass) for Barton Town Band.

By the time he was 11, Simon was asked if he would play the trombone for Barton Town Band as they were short of trombone players at the time! Simon rose to the challenge and learnt to play the trombone.

In 1983, Simon joined BADAOS as a baritone and has taken part in many of the societies productions and concerts.

As well as his degree, Simon has attained ABRSM Grade 8 on the piano, trombone and signing as well as grade 8 in the theory of music.

He has sung with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, and performed in many brass bands up and down the country.

Simon has also been the musical director of Brigg Amateur Operatic Society and he plays solo trombone with the Barton Town Band.

See Simon in his younger years - with lots of hair. And thin too !!!!

Rehearsal Pianist

Tracey Bowes is the rehearsal pianist for BADAOS.

Assistant Musical Director          Pat Thompson

Pat Thompson, a members of the Alto section also offers her considerable skill to accompany the society during busy rehearsals and when we rehearse in sections. Pat takes up the Baton when Simon is not able to make a rehearsal. She also has been known to accompany BADAOS at concerts.

Accompanists

BADAOS are in the privileged position of having two fine pianists, both of whom provide excellent accompaniments during concerts.

Howard Fawcett is an accomplished musician and first class accompanist. His natural talent and skill ensure that the society has a first class accompaniment to complement their performance. Howard can also play the flute, clarinet, saxaphone - well just about anything really!. He is currently a Peripapetic Music Teacher (woodwind) for North Lincolnshire Music Support Service.

Maurice Davies is also an accomplished musician and first class pianist. He studied music at Reading University and provides the society with first class accompaniments. Maurice teaches the piano and is accompanist for Scunthorpe Choral Society and the Isle District Choral Society.

Director 

For 2009 production of The King and I, BADAOS are please to welcome David Wrightam as Director.