Michael Reynolds – Director of Music at St Andrew's Church

Taking on the position of Director of Music at St Andrew's Church ,following on from such a renowned organist as Trevor Slater, who had held the position for 32 years, must have been a daunting task for any person. However the young Michael Reynolds, who has held the post since 2009, has managed to include it in a career dedicated to music.

Educated at Abbey Gate College from the age of 10, it was here that his musical training began, learning not only to play the violin and piano, but also as a choir member. This internationally known choir, allowed Michael the opportunity of singing in many of our great cathedrals including St Paul's, Durham, Winchester and Salisbury, and also in St Patrick's Cathedral in New York.

It was only a small step to auditioning for Chester Cathedral Choir, and then spending four years with the choir becoming Head Chorister.Here he learnt to play the organ under the assistant organist Edward Wellman, with a lot of encouragement from the celebrated organist Roger Fisher.

Continuing his education at St John's College ,Durham University, he earned a Combined Arts degree in music and philosophy ,and held the post of organ scholar for two years. His involvement in musical theatre at Durham, playing the piano for such productions as "Kiss me Kate", "Westside Story" and "Fame", led him subsequently on his return to Chester, into joining Tip Top Productions.

Back at the family home in Tarvin, he became organist at Whitegate church, before his appointment at St Andrew's Tarvin.

Anxious to encourage youngsters into music, he founded the Youth Choir, which caters for both boys and girls aged 7 – 11 years, and he juggles this with his teaching of the piano at both Christleton High School, and the King's School Chester as well as accompanying several local musical organisations, and conducting the Waverton Singers. He has recently been appointed as conductor of The Chester Chorale, a community choir formed in 1980 at the King's School.

What little time he has left in this busy schedule, sees him keeping fit, by cycling, and running, and on Saturday mornings he can be seen doing the 5K Park Run in Delamere Forest with his wife of 18 months, Caroline.
Any time for hobbies are taken up reading a good crime thriller, and following Formula One racing.

Michael has an eclectic taste in music, obviously covering ecclesiastic and choral works, together with musical theatre, but also admits to a following for Coldplay, Michael Buble, and James Cullen.

Tarvin is indeed privileged to have such a charismatic and talented musician in its midst.