Rowan Richards has been proudly leading Rock Choirs across Shropshire since 2014, guiding hundreds of Rockies through joyful weekly sessions and exciting live performances. She currently runs four thriving choirs across the county, bringing people together through music, laughter, and a healthy dose of fun.
Rowan’s love of singing began early. She grew up in Shropshire singing in her local church choir at age 7 and went on to become a choral scholar at Royal Holloway, University of London, performing regularly with the renowned Chapel Choir whilst studying as a violinist for her BMus (Hons) degree. After a year out travelling and teaching in Russia, she continued her education at Cambridge, where she sang with Queen’s College Choir while completing her PGCE in Primary Education.
Before joining Rock Choir, she taught music in both primary and prep schools, running choirs and ensembles, composing original songs for children, and directing music for school productions and competitions. These early teaching experiences shaped her lifelong passion for making music inclusive, accessible and fun for everyone.
Since stepping into the world of Rock Choir, Rowan has led her Rockies on some unforgettable adventures. They’ve sung at prestigious venues like Wembley Stadium and Abbey Road Studios, shared the stage with stars including Russell Watson, G4, and The Sons of Pitches, and even taken their music to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Closer to home, they’ve performed in beloved local spaces such as the historic St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury, and at established local events like Shrewsbury Flower Show, Bridgnorth Carnival and Telford Balloon Fiesta amongst many others.
One of Rowan’s favourite traditions is the mystery bus tour, where choir members board a bus with no idea where they’re headed—only to find themselves performing in iconic and quirky Shropshire locations such as the Iron Bridge, the fragrant rose garden at David Austin Roses, beneath the Severn Valley Railway arches at Daniel’s Mill, amongst the Roman ruins at Wroxeter, or up on the balcony of the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.
Community and charity are always at the heart of her choirs. From spectacular fundraising concerts like Rock Choir Live 2019 at Shrewsbury Abbey, which raised nearly £7,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, to taking part in events like the Severn Hospice Dragon Boat Festival where the team raised over £5,000, paddling to victory as the fancy dress and fundraising champions – her choirs are proof that being part of Rock Choir can make a real difference.
When she’s not conducting choirs, Rowan enjoys long walks in the Shropshire countryside, bingeing a good crime series or arranging a cappella pieces to sing with her family—often competing together in their local Eisteddfod.
For Rowan, Rock Choir is more than just singing; it’s about friendship, connection, and unforgettable experiences, all to a soundtrack of your favourite songs.
