Mum of 2 ( Krysten 17 and James 13) and married to Paul who is also a member of the Choir. Mel studied for 3 years at the University of Hertfordshire where she gained a BA Hons in Performing Arts. Born in Bedford in the UK she lived in London for several years and then Coventry before she emigrated to NZ in 2009. In 2012 she had the idea to form her own all comers choir without auditioning. Mel was one of the founders of The Everybody Sings Group of choirs managing 8 adult choirs in until Covid forced a change in direction in 2022.

“ I decided to form a choir as I had been a member of a community choir in the UK before we made the move to NZ.  I knew first hand how great it can be to get people together to sing. It creates a great community environment, helps people gain in confidence and is fantastic fun. We are just one big family!”

Mel is also a supporter of the Arts and is part of the Selwyn Community Performing Arts Theatre. A Herald magazine interview with Mel from December 2016 about the benefits of singing in choirs can be found here.

Chris Bevan is an accomplished Musical Director with over 30 years of experience teaching music and conducting. Renowned for her ability to nurture the very best in performers, she is also a skilled composer and arranger. Chris is married to Lee and is the proud mother of four adult sons.

Currently, Chris is immersed in a full and varied musical schedule that she describes as her greatest joy. She works as a Performing Arts Specialist at Farm Cove Intermediate and teaches private students. Chris also leads as Musical Director for the iconic Auckland Boys’ Choir, the fabulous NZ Young@Heart Chorus, and the wonderful Stonefields Choir—one of the true highlights of her week.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Chris served as a conductor and accompanist for the APPA Music Festival and was Musical Director for “An Eden Park Christmas.” Over the past decade, she has worked as a chaperone for the Australasian production of Matilda the Musical, and as Head Chaperone for Auckland Theatre Company’s Billy Elliot and Tom Sawyer. Chris also directed musical productions for King’s College (2018–2019) and Pakuranga College (2019), and has worked in numerous primary schools as a music specialist.

Her background includes work as an accompanist and repetiteur for Auckland Theatre Company, and 13 years with Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, where she also trained the Coca-Cola Choir. From 2005 to 2007, she was the accompanist for the Graduate Choir. Additionally, Chris has adjudicated competitions, led worship at Howick Community Church, and served her local community as Chairperson on two Boards of Trustees.