The Team
Introducing our Founders
The BIG Sing was founded by Howard Francis, Gemma Francis, Jon Rattenbury & Adetoun Anibi over thirteen years ago! Having performed alongside some BIG names such as Jamie Cullum, Ellie Goulding, Westlife, Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, Will Young and James Brown to name a few, and being full time members of The London Community Gospel Choir, our founders were passionate about making a difference in our communities. It was at this moment that The BIG Sing was born! More recently Howard and Gemma have taken the reigns and are now heading up The BIG Sing family.
THE BIG SING FOUNDER – MANAGING DIRECTOR
Oversees the BIG Sing family
THE BIG SING FOUNDER – MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Oversees the BIG Sing family
Meet our BIG Sing Choir Tutors
JB Rose is a singer songwriter who has a fruitful career as a social media content creator, singer, writer and facilitator/vocal coach. Highlights of JB’s professional singing career include her recent Soulful singles, ‘Back to Love and ‘Gold’ . JB is looking forward to releasing an album and more singles. Both of JB’s recent hits were no.1 on the UK Soul charts. JB has been the warm-up act for Chaka Khan at the Hammersmith Apollo, backing vocalist for Coolio on Top of the Pops with the song ‘Gangsters Paradise’ and singing on BET TV in America with the Jazzy drum and bass act James Hardway. JB loves facilitating vocal sessions in the community as she believes singing is for everyone and we are thrilled to have JB on our team.
With over 30 years experience, Neresa has led a church choir for 15 years, been a recording artist, busker for TFL, Street Performer, event/function band singer and backing vocalist as well as a choir member and Assistant Choir Director for the London Community Gospel Choir. Neresa has travelled worldwide as a singer and performed in iconic places such as the Royal Albert Hall, The Palladium, Wembley Stadium, the O2 and even sang at the late Queen’s Platinum Celebrations at Buckingham Palace! Neresa loves to create an energetic atmosphere at choir rehearsals and looks forward to encouraging you to feel empowered to express yourselves and support one another whilst enabling you to grow as singers, build your confidence and have some fun!
An experienced tutor, Elaine led choirs in Frinton and Colchester performing in Castle Park and various venues across Essex. Working with Rocksteady Music School teaching kids how to be in their own rock/pop band is how Elaine spends her days in schools around Colchester – yes just like Jack Black! Elaine also leads worship in church with her vocals, piano and guitar accompaniment. A gifted pianist who plays by ear, Elaine also offers private piano grade tuition. Her enjoyment of rhythm helps her lead African drum workshops. Having loved the fun in singing since she was a little girl., Elaine is passionate about choir being a safe place to come to sing and be part of the choir family. She has a knack of putting people at ease to be themselves and feel the freedom to come as you are! Elaine loves watching people gain in confidence and become empowered to express emotions through voacals. Elaine says: “Singing is The Blooming Best Buzz!”
Meet our SOUL Tiny Sing Tutors
Jenny moved to Chelmsford two years ago and finding The BIG Sing was the best thing that could have happened to her – and us – it really helped her settle into the community! Jenny is semi-retired and looks after her grandchildren part of the week – they all love singing so it was a natural progression for Jenny to become a Tiny Sing tutor to take her love of music into the community and the next generation of singers.
TINY SING Tutor & admin asst for souL
Letitia is now an established member of our TINY Sing Team . With 4 small boys, music and movement is an important part of Letitia’s family life. They love singing, dancing and moving which Letitia believes to be a vital part of their emotional, physical and mental well-being. Letitia loves seeing the joy in our children when the music starts playing and is passionate about bringing parents and carers together in a welcoming environment where they can escape everyday stresses for a while at least. Letitia can’t wait to share the new TINY Sing SOUL sessions with everyone each week.
Rowan has been a part of Warwick’s Big Sing since February 2022. Rowan has previously run holiday clubs and sleepovers for slightly older children as part of her job at a local museum and was excited by the chance to work with younger children and sing at the same time. Rowan says “I love working with the younger children and babies at Tiny Sing and seeing them enjoy themselves each week. I also really like getting to know the parents and grandparents.”
Meet our Admin Team
Having been a part of the BIG Sing since she was only 6 years old, Evie has seen The BIG Sing develop over the past 13 years and has all the background knowledge required to help us. Evie is assisting in The BIG Sing Office to help us with admin and she really makes sure that all our choir members are looked after. As the daughter of Howard & Gemma, you may even seen her directing the choir at events – tutor in training!
As the daughter of an original committee member who helped set up The BIG Sing SOUL, Emma has delighted in watching SOUL grow. Emma has been involved in fundraising for many different causes for as long as she can remember – arranging events, applying for funding and completing challenges. Emma is family orientated with three children including two sons with additional needs giving her first hand experience of seeing how our charity can give singing opportunities to communities bringing joy and confidence. This has driven her passion to ensure activities are accessible for all. Emma is organised and committed and is very excited to be a part of our team.
