Riff Raff Choir is run by Elaine Wilson. The current Riff Raff teachers are Elaine Wilson (co-founder and director); Dan Pate and Peter Relph (who both joined in September 2017) and Vero Haro (who joined in April 2018).
The majority of song arrangements sung by the choir are arranged by the Riff Raff teachers. There is a song suggestion box in the Members' Area, so the choir influence the songs the choir sings. For details of past and present repertoire and arrangers, please click on Repertoire in the menu above.
Riff Raff was originally co-founded by Elaine Wilson and Joe Blench in March 2010 with just one group in Clifton. Since then Riff Raff choir has gone from strength to strength, starting the Southville group in September 2010, the Bishopston group in January 2013, the Fishponds group in October 2014 and the Redland group in June 2017. Joe left Riff Raff in July 2013 to pursue other ventures.
The Riff Raff team bring a wealth of technical know-how to rehearsals, and they are always happy to answer questions about any aspect of singing.
Riff Raff has regular socials and is a friendly choir. We also encourage members to stay behind for a drink in the pub after choir if they'd like to. We have around 300 members over the various sessions ranging in age from 15 to 70, although the majority of the choir are in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.
Elaine, co-founder & director, teaches the Southville & Fishponds groups.
Elaine runs Riff Raff full-time and has taught all the groups at some point. She also runs and teaches on Sing Your Socks Off holidays. She has a PhD in Maths, is a qualified hypnotherapist and accountant! Her passion for music has outlasted it all. She previously sang with Naked Voices and The Minor Setbacks.
She believes everyone should have fun singing and loves the enthusiasm of everyone involved in Riff Raff.
Peter teaches the Southville & Fishponds groups.
Peter is a conductor and composer, whose music is strongly influenced by medieval plainchant and the folk music of his home in the Lake District. His compositions are published and recorded by GIA Publications.
Vero teaches the Bishopston & Redland groups.
Vero studied at the Royal Conservatorie of Music of Granada, then moved to England in 2012 looking for new experiences. Vero teaches music (theory & GCSE preparation) and piano in Pill. Music is her passion and she has been an active singer and pianist in rock, blues and soul bands.
Vero thinks music should be for everyone so really enjoyes the relaxed atmosphere of Riff Raff.
Dan teaches the Bishopston & Redland groups.
Dan is Head of Music at Bristol Free School where he leads a range of vocal & instrumental ensemble groups. He studied Music Technology at LIPA, moving to Bristol in 2011 (when he also became a member of Riff Raff!). He's performed in many different groups, and is currently singing with Elaine, Oli & Lucy in The Minor Setbacks.
Dan is always excited about getting people singing together and loves the fun and social atmosphere of a Riff Raff rehearsal.
