TWO musicians are set to lead the Clackmannanshire Choral Society for the new season.

Mike Nolan will take over as conductor and Lawrence Wright joins the choir as accompanist following the retirement of Sandy Sinclair.

Accompanist for the choral since 2008, Mike will also call on his existing experience which he gained conducting Stirling Male Voice Choir.

He was one of the first music students to attend St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh where he studied music composition and piano.

For over two decades he worked in theatre, community music and arts development then read film and media studies at the University of Stirling.

Most recently, he trained as a music therapist and now has his own private practice based in Dunblane where he is also organist at St Blane’s Church.

He said: “It was a great honour to be asked to conduct Clacks Choral and I look forward to leading them into the future.”

Mike’s move to conducting left a vacancy for an accompanist, so Alloa man Lawrence stepped up to the plate.

Lawrence began playing piano at the age of 11 and attained the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Grade 8 qualification with distinction in 1973.

Since then he has regularly played in churches throughout the central region, along with the Royal Albert Hall in London.

His instruments include keyboard, organ, piano, the euphonium, double bass and bass trombone.

He said: “I’ve a tough act to follow in accompanying Clacks Choral, but I’m confident I’ll rise to the challenge.”

Rehearsals start on Monday, September 3, 7pm, at St Mungo's Parish Church Hall, Alloa, and new members are welcome, with no need for a daunting audition.

The choir meets every Monday and aims to perform at least two concerts throughout the year.

For more, visit clackschoral.webs.com or contact the choir secretary Bet Ure on 01259 218432.