Name: Jennifer Taylor
Age: 29
Career path/Course of Study:BMus (voice) and MMus (vocal composition) at Aberdeen University then working as the music department administrator at Chetham's School of Music and some freelance singing. Currently working for the National Trust and studying for a Master’s degree in Heritage Studies.
How long have you been in the choir? 18 years (I always come back to sing when at home).
What brought you to St Mary's choir?My parents encouraged me to join when the children's choir was re-established. I was also already a member of the congregation. I loved music but didn't enjoy school music lessons or school choir; my parents hoped it would be a good education and help me express musicality in a different way.
How has membership of the choir/cathedral community benefitted you?Without St Mary's choir, I doubt I would be the person I am today. I found friends there and discovered a love of singing, which helped me grow into myself. This helped me progress as a musician and led me to apply to the music department at Aberdeen University. The training from St Mary's allowed me to gain my place at university and also helped me apply successfully for scholarships during my course. When I moved to a new city, where I knew no-one, I was able to join the cathedral choir and quickly find a community, making firm friends who are my support network today.