President
Imogen Keeley
Hello everyone! My name is Imogen, and I am a second-year Biomedicine student, and I am running for the role of ULMS President. I have really enjoyed being involved in ULMS since fresher’s week in first year. I play the violin in String Orchestra and Orchestra; I also conduct Swing Group and am in Whackestra. For the past year I have held the role of Publicity Officer on committee and then at the end of last academic year my responsibilities on committee expanded to co-Social Secretary with Declan.
Over the 14 years that I have played the violin, I have played in lots of ensembles both inside and outside of school including string groups, orchestras, and a folk-pop band. The various roles that I have had as part of these ensembles include leading my college orchestra and this, along with my experience conducting swing group has given me an insight into what is required to successfully run an ensemble. I therefore feel that I will be able to bring this experience to the role of president, overseeing the running of ULMS’ 7 major ensembles and various small groups.
Carrying out two roles on committee has given me a good insight in all areas of the running of the society. It has also required me to be very organised, especially around the Summer Showcase where I organised the advertising, programmes, and refreshments, and around Christmas where I did the publicity for two concerts along with organising the Winter Ball (and my degree!). All these events ran smoothly, and I will be able to bring these organisational skills to the role of president. If I become president, I want to improve the way that we approach organising concerts to ensure that the distribution of concerts throughout the term is logical and that each ensemble has an equal opportunity to perform if they want to.
As well as overseeing the running of the society, the role of president is to represent the society. This is something I have done in my role as Publicity Officer, representing the society at Freshers Fair and Refreshers Fair, as well as managing the society’s social media presence. I believe that I am a welcoming and approachable person so I hope that you feel that you can bring any questions and concerns to me. The social aspect of the society is also something that I really enjoy and believe very strongly in and will continue to encourage and promote as ULMS President. I also believe that I will be a good representative and contact point between the society and the SU and other organisations. As President I would also be one of the welfare officers on the committee and assure you that I will deal with any issues that are bought to me in an appropriate manner, with an open mind and an unbiased opinion.
Outside of ULMS I am also a student ambassador which is a job that requires confidence and interpersonal skills which are important for chairing committee meetings, next year’s AGM, and any EGMs that we might need.
In conclusion, I am running for the role of president because I love ULMS! It has been the highlight of coming to Lancaster University and I have made lots of good friends and memories as a member of ULMS. I want to continue contributing to the running of the society and believe that I poses the necessary skills to carry out this role successfully. I believe that my organisational skills, friendly personality, hardworking attitude, and reliability make me an ideal candidate for the role of president. I am also a good team player and believe that I will be able to lead and work with the new committee well to ensure the continued smooth running of the society. Thank you for reading 🙂
Secretary
Darcy McDonnell
Hi! I’m Darcy, a second year History and German student, and have played violin in Strings, Orchestra and a Small Group string quartet this year. I started on the violin when I was 11 (after my cello teacher at the time quit…), and have been playing in ensembles and groups ever since! After being on committee as String Rep and welfare officer this past year – and enjoying it thoroughly!! – I’m running as Secretary to continue to nurture the society and its future trajectory.
Being String Rep has been such an incredibly rewarding and insightful experience, and has matured my communication skills, time management and confidence in leadership roles. Throughout the year, I’ve worked in conjunction with our incredible conductors to deliver outstanding performances in the Summer Showcase, Christmas Concert and (upcoming, but it will be brill!) Concerto Concert. The ensemble has seen huge growth in player numbers this year, with player feedback indicating high levels of positivity and engagement with both the music and ensemble as a whole.
Holistically, working on the committee has given me key insight into the workings and day-to-day logistics of running a society, something that would be crucial to engage with as Secretary, alongside deepening my musical skill and knowledge. Outside of my life in Strings, I’ve been very active in wider society life, including attending socials and representing the society at Fresher and Refresher events. I believe my experience as String Rep has given me both the practical and personal skills to thrive as an active, organised Secretary. I’m aware of and engaged with the society’s inner workings and beliefs, and am excited to help it progress and grow as well as continuing to provide a positive, fulfilling and enjoyable space for its members! Thank you for reading, hope everyone has a good AGM!
Treasurer
Sam Stewart
Hiya everyone! My name is Sam, and for those who don’t know me I am a second year Theoretical Physics with Maths student. I’ve been playing music since I was 7, started playing cello in year 3, and haven’t stopped since. Within the society, I have been an active member of 3 ensembles – Big Band, Swing and Orchestra – and like to play in String whenever I get the chance. If elected, this would be my 3rd role on committee, so I am very well versed in the day-to-day running of the society. As Technician last year, I oversaw the renovation of a number of instruments, as well as the recording and publishing of every major concert. During my time as Technician, I’ve become more acquainted with the finances of the society, being able to understand what is and isn’t a viable purchase for the society, so I feel I am coming into the role of Treasurer with a reasonable and achievable slate of instruments and equipment that I feel need to be purchased in order to make the society run even smoother. I would like to see the society expand even further into the international student spheres, so that we can use our stock of equipment and financial backing to better support anyone and everyone who wants to play but doesn’t have the means to do so. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the two Committees I have been a part of so far, and feel incredibly privileged to have been given the chance to help run this wonderful society however I can. It would be an honour to continue to do so from a position within the Big Three.
Big Band Representative
Fern Talboys
Hey, I’m Fern and I am re-running for Big Band rep. I have been an involved member of the society for over a year now and during my time we have really thrived as a Big Band! I hope my passion for jazz has been noticed through how we have played this year and I wish to continue that being the case to allow the members of Big to also express their love for the genre through playing what we do.
I have been very engaged in my role by putting the effort needed and am keen to continue that for another year. Through the effort I have put in, Big has maintained running and sounding fantastic even with many of our players leaving after last academic year. Big band has prevailed past that and this year, under my leadership and my conductors’ conducting, we have sounded better each week and I am excited for us to perform every time we do!
Importantly, I have also been actively participating in other parts of ULMS through my committee role including attending socials regularly and even help run them. I have encouraged members of Big band to do the same and I will continue to do that if re-elected as it is vital to me that ULMS remains a community outside of each ensemble.
I think Big band maintains an essential role in the society as it remains an outlet for students interested in jazz to play and improvise. I hope to continue Big band maintaining this space for members of ULMS as a chill environment to play jazz music and have a fun time doing so. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Declan Rickets and Alex Cooper (running as a pair)
Hi, I’m Declan; I’m a Second-year Environmental science student. I am currently one of the social secretaries and I have organised many successful socials even though not feeling 100%. This shows my determination, drive, and commitment to the society. I have been in multiple different styles of band since high school, and I currently play the alto saxophone in wind, swing and of course big band. Big Band is by far my favourite ensemble due to its range of music and the improvised solo. To make sure the big band runs smoothly for another year I am running for the position with Alex to ensure big band always happens and that we can both manage our time. I am very organised with a passion for playing music and making sure big band gets the concerts and performances that we deserve.
Hi, I’m Alex, I’m a first-year geography student in my second year at Lancaster (course switch!), and since joining the music society I’ve played the alto and tenor saxophones in the wind, swing and big bands, most recently joining the sax choir as a baritone sax. Music has been a significant part of my life for over 14 years now, having played several instruments and having been in too many bands to count. I’ve always been passionate about music, and I hope this will be made even more clear if elected. I’m excited to be running for Big Band representative alongside Declan as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the band and society so far, and I’m excited to help it run smoothly for another year. I think Declan is the perfect running mate for this position having a year of committee experience to bring and being a keen and talented saxophonist himself. If elected I think we’ll make the perfect team to keep Big Band running as smoothly as it does with a range of fun and interesting music to play! Thanks for reading 🙂
Brass Band Representative
Amy Lunn and Henry Emsley-Standeven (running as a pair)
Hello! My name is Amy, I am a second year law student and I’d love to be one of your brass reps. I joined ULMS at the start of my second term in first year and have played in Wind Band and Brass Band consistently since. This society has provided me my uni family and I would love to contribute to the growing of this family by joining the committee.
I would like to be your Brass Band Rep as ever since joining I have fallen in love with all things Brass Band and I want to play a more active part in its running. I feel my part in this shared role will ensure the smooth running of the band with clear communication as well as its continued development, not only bringing my own ideas but allowing the band as a whole to have a contribution in instances such as what they would like to play.
Hi, I’m Henry. I am a first year Engineering student and would love to have the opportunity to be one of your ULMS Brass Reps! I have been involved in banding for a number of years now, progressing though the different bands of the Tewit organisation and also playing in the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band. Before I came to Uni I had competed in numerous competitions, played in many concerts, helped fundraise and participated in European tours. I understand how challenging organising events and creating a set can be and I would be extremely happy to take on this challenge. I have already been planning potential themes and pieces for Unibrass and thinking of potential marches for Whit Friday. I would love to help in any way I can to ensure the band is run well and to maintain the positive atmosphere. I will have good communication with the Band and my fellow Brass Rep regarding any announcements and decisions made. I am approachable and considerate so I would like to emphasise that I would be happy for anyone in the band to discuss banding in general, pieces that we are playing at the moment, pieces to play in the future etc as banding is a huge passion of mine. Thank you very much.
Choir Representative
Dominic Doyle
Hi, I’m Dominic and I’m a first year English Literature and History student. I have really enjoyed being part of ULMS since October in both wind band and choir. Having been in choirs before at school, I feel that singing together brings so much joy and I want to run for choir rep to welcome others into this wonderful community. From getting involved in charity shows, musicals and formal concerts I am excited about the variety of music we can perform. I will also bring my organisational and teamwork skills to the role, helping to support our great conductors each week and prepare for events.
Tamara Oakley-Holton
Hi, I’m Tamara a second-year student studying Politics, International Relations and Management.
I have sung in choirs for the last 15 years and can confidently say there aren’t many genres I haven’t encountered yet whether that be a Jazz Mass, the Messiah or a Les Mis Medley! While being a singer at my local city youth choir I was also a member of the music committee where I spent five years having a voice in the music choices we made and helped to decide what direction the choir would take for the upcoming term musically.
Since joining ULMS in October, choir, along with the socials, has enabled me to not only enjoy making music but also meet new friends and venture into other musical groups such as singing with Big Band in term one. One of my main goals as rep would include bolstering our numbers so that more people can enjoy our little corner of ULMS. But I am also keen to be an active member of the music committee and would like to see choir involved in a joint concert this year.
Orchestra Representative
Elizabeth Hopkins
My name is Elizabeth, my pronouns are she/her, I’m in second year and I study modern languages. I’ve been learning music since the age of 7, when I started learning guitar and music theory. I later started playing piano when I was 10 and have been playing trumpet since I was 15.
String Orchestra Representative
Charlotte Price
Hi! I am Charlotte and I am a first year economics student. I play the violin in string ensemble and also play the piano.
I have played the violin since I was 6 years old and joined my first string ensemble at the age of 7. Since then I have lead two string ensembles in playing a variety of classical music. I also played in my county youth orchestra which toured to play in the Edinburgh Fringe. At secondary school I played a leading role in our string group, helping to find and coordinate parts, and lead rehearsals, providing me with organisational skills and leadership qualities that would be useful in this role. As well as this, these experiences have given a huge insight into the logistics of an ensemble which will help me to support other and new members of string ensemble.
As rep, I would like to help further increase numbers by ensuring it remains a fun and social space for all members. I am approachable and happy to listen to any concerns within the group, and would feel confident in bringing up any issues with committee. I also plan on bringing biscuits to strings, suggestions welcome!!
Swing Group Representative
Nnamdi Nnachi-Cole
Hi my name is Nnamdi and I will be running for Swing group Rep. I’m currently a second year law student and do Big Band and Swing Group within ULMS. I would love to continue to be the swing rep for Swing band in the year onwards.
I have played piano since the age of 5 and am familiar with a range of styles from classical to jazz. I also have a firm grasp on music theory which will definitely benefit me in being a Swing Group rep.
I have experience with music ensembles. I got a scholarship to a Saturday music school (CYM) and stayed there for 8 years before coming to Lancaster, where I was in many music groups which helped me build teamwork skills. I was in the LSSO orchestra for 4-5 years as a percussionist before coming to Lancaster, as well as being part of the London Youth Wind Band, these also assisted my skills in working as a team, and built my ability to focus while in a music setting. I have also been in multiple jazz ensembles and played in multiple jazz venues.I’ve also been involved with multiple music bands and ensembles within lancaster.
I am quite an organised and friendly person and I would hope to continue to bring that energy to Swing Group. I’m extremely passionate about jazz and hope to continue bring that passion and dedication to the Swing Group within the Music Society.
Wind Band Representative
Freya Rocke
Hi, I’m Freya and I’m a second year biomedicine student. If you don’t know me, I have been the wind band representative for the past year! I am currently in four of our major ensembles (big band, wind band, swing group and orchestra) and in three small groups (clarinet choir, sax choir and whackerstra) and I have been playing clarinet for 12 years and saxophone for less than a year. I have enjoyed my time as wind band rep this past year and have gained experience in filing music (having spent six hours organising our folders), setting up a drum kit and organising concerts alongside the rest of committee. My goal as wind band rep will be to create a welcoming environment for freshers when they join in the new year and to continue making sure George doesn’t only pick marches!
Small Groups Representative
Lizzie Coveney
Hi everyone! I’m Lizzie, a third year French Studies and Linguistics student currently studying abroad. Last year I was the swing group conductor, as well as part of big band, wind band, orchestra and sax choir. I’d like to think rerunning for the third time speaks for itself in terms of my passion for, and commitment, to the role but on the off chance it doesn’t I shall elaborate.
As the small groups rep for the previous two committees, I have lots of experience in the role. Whilst running the role solely online was a bit of an experiment, I would like to say it has been successful (?!), albeit I’ve really enjoyed it either way. For me, ULMS has been an integral part of my university experience, and I cannot begin to imagine not being apart of it. As part of the committee, I want to continue to give back what I was given by those who welcomed me as the very shy little fresher I was – I know I have since gained so much confidence both musically and personally!
The small groups are such a great opportunity for players to feel more involved in their music experience. The possibilities are endless and offer a place for musicians to take a completely different musical stance to those given by the ensembles. Groups have free rein to find the music and dynamic (pardon the pun) that they wish for, and they can be a great way to share their passion with the wider university and city community. If reelected, I would like to not only continue to work with the society to maintain and build our small groups network (and support the society on the whole with its new endeavours), but I look to work more closely with the PTM representative. I think small groups are a great way to include students learning instruments, as it almost bridges the gap between solo and ensemble playing.
Project Teach Music Coordinator
Hannah Clayton
Hi I’m Hannah, a second year German and Theatre student. I have been playing tuba in windband and brass band since my first week at Lancaster.
Previously I have been brass band rep, overseeing the running of the band, and playing an integral role in the organisation of the competition UniBrass. During my time in the society, and especially since joining committee, I have loved the friends that have made ULMS so special to me.
I would love to be the Project Teach Music Coordinator, as it is such an important role to give society members the chance to develop skills in teaching, and allow others to learn and improve in music. I am honoured to have the support of the people who have held this position before me to help me get settled into the role. I am confident that I will be able to fulfill this role with the passion it deserves, and support musicians in learning and performing. I would love to be able to continue to play an active role in the society this year and during my year abroad.
Social Secretary
No nominations
Publicity Officer
No nominations
Technician
No nominations