Don Gillthorpe

Don trained as a singer and conductor at Lancaster University, graduating in 2006 and receiving the Denis McCaldin Performance prize for that year. Currently Director of Music and Performing Arts at Ripley St Thomas CE Academy, Lancaster, Don leads a thriving department which boasts seven choirs, including a large boys' choir and a robed Chapel Choir. Don is also in demand as a choral animateur, leading workshops and residential courses nationwide with singers of all ages. He founded and directs the highly successful Vox Boys’ Choir, is Director of Church Music for the Morland Choristers’ Camp, and a senior choral conducting tutor for Sing for Pleasure, with whom he also works as Head of Publications. Don is active as a singing teacher, specialising in boys' changing voices, and is also a Specialist Leader in Education, supporting Music departments across the North West.