Our Committee

Our Patron: Tony Backhouse

Over the last twenty years there has been a wonderful growth in group singing here, but few resources outside the prevailing choral tradition to train those who want to learn how to direct and guide singers in alternate repertoires. So it's time for community singing in NZ to take the next step, that of encouraging and supporting the growth of the people we entrust with the leadership of our choirs and classes and providing the resources for those who want to learn how to take on those roles.

As vocal leaders you recognise the enormous value of community singing for the well-being and cohesiveness of the community, you see changes in your fellow-singers, and you experience the unique joy that singing together brings to all. We all have gifts to share and I believe the Song Leaders' Network Aotearoa, in providing a forum for discussion and access to ideas, training and repertoire can give us all the tools to better communicate, educate and inspire our singers.

Ross Browning

I have been the Conductor and Musical Director of the Napier Gospel Choir for seven years.  Before that I was Second Conductor under Tony Backhouse.  I have always had a passion for music and choral singing.  I feel very fortunate to be able to bring people together to sing, have fun and create community.  I am looking forward to serving and inspiring the singing and song leading community in my role as Chair of Song Leaders Network Aotearoa.

Jude Woodgyer

Jude Woodgyer is an experienced singer/songwriter and songleader who hails from the creative, and alternative thinking, Cotswolds town of Stroud in England. Jude has been singing and performing in bands, acapella harmony groups, duos, choirs, and singing solo for the past 40 years. 

 

Emigrating to Levin in NZ with her family in 2016, Jude has been an active member of the Levin Folk Music Club ever since. Performing locally with various different bands, and also performing solo or providing harmonies for other acts at local muso nights. 

 

That same year Jude became an active member and is now co-director, with Anne-Marie Stapp, of  Sing Out Levin - a local community choir who meet weekly on Friday mornings. They also sing out in the local community several times a year.

 

Since May 2016, Jude has been an active member of the Song Leaders Network Aotearoa.

Anna Pendred

I am co-leading the Assorted Biscuits Choir in Wellsford, which has been a lot of fun, and also leading women’s singing circle workshops monthly in Mangawhai, Northland. 

I marvel at the power of a simple, uplifting song to open and create joy and connection within a group in a very short space of time. Singing is our birthright, and I strongly believe in its power to heal wounds around self expression, and create a sense of togetherness.

I have been a member of SLNA for a number of years, and have served on the committee in the past, and recently rejoined again. I resonate with the ethos and principles that SLNA stands for - supporting people in bringing the joy of singing to communities from all walks of life.

I am enjoying my new role of Communications person.

Radah Sahar

For the past few decades, I’ve made my living as songwriter and recording artist/MD/producer. Lately, I’ve launched into the exciting task of writing choral arrangements for two One Earth Singing groups I lead in Levin. My emerging songbook contains 72 songs in inclusive language; enough to keep me busy for years!

Meanwhile, my regular albums, in various genres, can be found on all major online streaming & download sites.

Historically, I’m known for my children’s music and I blog occasionally. I love performing Joni Mitchell house-concerts, and gigging, Magic & Mischief style.

I joined SLNA at Lead In in 2024. What an uplifting, sincere organisation! Feeling grateful for the wonderful work done, and the warm-hearted and helpful support I've received since becoming a member, I joined the committee as a 'quorum' person, as I've much yet to learn. I look forward to meeting other members over time. Wishing you all well, let's sing on!