ABOUT US
Welcome to
Waterside Choir
Waterside Choir is led by Grammy-nominated producer and arranger Dave Cooke, alongside professional jazz singer and vocal coach Heather Simmons. The choir is dedicated to high-quality musical training in five-part harmony, while fostering a warm, social atmosphere where friendships flourish.
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In addition to presenting its own concerts, which offer our members ample opportunity to perform solos and duets, Waterside Choir regularly participates in festivals and performs at charity events. The choir is accompanied by professional pianist Mike Kenton.
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The choir has been running for more than 10 years and has already won numerous awards at various local music festivals.
THE TEAM
Meet our fearless leaders
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Dave Cooke
Musical Director
Dave studied at The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, and has spent the years since working as an accomplished musician.
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Dave has been privileged to work alongside, with, and for some wonderful people, Billy Connolly, James Galway, Van Morison, Phil Coulter and many more.
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He's even been known to venture into the world of musical theatre joining in with the joyous playing of some of its shows - Starlight Express, Cats, and Jukebox, as well as other classic and not so classic productions.
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A considerable part of Dave's career was spent working in Ireland, recording and performing with several artists before America beckoned.
Now, you can find Dave back in jolly old Blighty at the helm of Waterside Choir and passing on some of his hard-earned wisdom to aspiring musicians of all ages and styles. ​
Heather Simmons
Assistant Musical Director
Mike Kenton
Accompanist
Heather, also known as Mrs Cooke and Rev Hev, loves life, her family, her friends and this is what you hear when she sings. She sings with a passion that releases all the hours she spends living and breathing the recordings of Billie, Ella, Peggy, Bessie, Annette, Connie, Judy, Anita....
She has entertained audiences across the world and sung in the most prestigious jazz venues and concert halls (Ronnie Scotts, The Village Vanguard, Preservation Hall, Kensington Palace, The National Theatre and The Royal Festival Hall).
Heather has recorded and performed with many world class musicians and is eternally grateful for their music and being able to share the stage with them.