Treorchy Male Choir changes rules to let women join

Jan 1 2008 by Rin Simpson, Western Mail

TWO women have been allowed to join a world-famous male voice choir for the first time in 61 years, opening the way for others to do the same.

Treorchy Male Choir yesterday recognised musical director Jan Ball and accompanist Helen Roberts as official members.

The group formed in 1946 and has had a strict tradition of allowing only men to become members. But that changed when the choir’s male bosses decided to rewrite the constitution to allow Ms Ball and Ms Hunt the title of honorary members in recognition of their dedication to the group.

The women join the likes of Tom Jones and Max Boyce, who are also honorary members.

Chairman Gareth Evans said yesterday, “The constitution has been rewritten with the full support of the entire choir and its management committee so that women can be honoured with this award.

“We envisage that a number of individuals who have played important roles in the history of the choir will also be honoured in this way in the months ahead.

“On behalf of the entire choir I would like to pay a special tribute to Jan and Helen for their dedication, which has been truly inspirational to us all.”

Jan, 62, from Llandaff North in Cardiff, was made deputy conductor of the choir in early 2007, the first woman to take the position.

Before that she was the accompanist for five years. She was accompanist for the Ardwyn Singers for more than 20 years, as well as head of music at Coleg Glan Hafren in Cardiff and accompanist for the National Youth Choir of Wales.

“This is a great honour and it came as a surprise for a male voice choir to recognise two woman and our musical input,” she said. “We see it as a gesture of appreciation for what Helen and I have done over the past few years. It’s lovely.”

Helen, 25, from Riverside in Cardiff, said, “The choir has been amazing and it’s good to have two females in charge now! Me and Jan get on really well at rehearsals and we make a good team. The choir seems to be going somewhere and we’re looking forward to the future.”