Bristol based musician Julia Turner founded the choir in 2013. The idea came about when talking to new parents and discovering that most of them didn’t want to sing nursery rhymes - Julia didn’t either! Instead she developed the idea of a choir for parents. The aim was to create a supportive and nurturing group where the adults could be uplifted and challenged learning rounds and songs in harmony. It turned out that their babies really liked this idea too so it was a win-win situation! Though the songs are aimed at the parents they are kid friendly too and for many this music has become an important part of their family repertoire.
Rachael joined the team in 2021 and has been bringing joy to her BYOB Choir groups ever since!
Our classes are run by either Julia or Rachael. Julia does the admin - you can reach her at byobchoir@gmail.com or on 07984532535
Julia Turner
Julia loves to be in a room full of people singing! Making music accessible to everyone and giving confidence to those who want to sing is a big driver for her. Julia has worked with many different vocal groups, both as a teacher directing small and large choirs such as Gasworks and Handfuls of Harmony and as a singer in smaller vocal ensembles e.g. Eko Trio.
An important aspect of her teaching is that she is also a gigging and composing musician. This keeps her creative juices flowing and energises and inspires her workshop leading. She has written and released two albums City Synchronicity (2013) and Fifteen Times the Moon (2017). She has a kids album due for release late 2023 with Rachael Dadd in their duo Popcorn. Julia has also written for theatre (Can’t Sit Still) and for choirs – she will release her first collection of choir songs later in 2023.
Other big influences on Julia’s career have been working for her BA in Jazz performance at Leeds College of Music, spending a year busking in Melbourne, Australia and working as a Live Music Now musician for 5 years in the South West bringing music to people experiencing social exclusion or disadvantage in care homes, hospitals and schools.
Rachael Dadd
Rachael Dadd has been a choir leader for BYOB Choir since September 2021 and loves the sense of community she has gained since starting on this soulful journey.
Rachael has been songwriting, recording and performing for 20 years and has recently released Kaleidoscope, her ninth album. Sometimes she invites the choir to join her at her local Bristol performances! Get the latest news on Rachael’s music here
Rachael lives with her two children, Shuki and Oto, and their cat Mayna in Southville, Bristol.
“I’ve absolutely loved it. Rachael is a total joy - talented and so friendly and the whole experience has been a breath of fresh air.”
— Susie Fussell
“I want to say an enormous thank you to both you and Rachel for crafting such a welcoming, friendly, rewarding and all-round lovely group and space.”
— Sarah Diver
“Thank you Julia! It's been so joyous and therapeutic and encouraging and nurturing and safe and warm..... and and and!”
— Amelia Burr
“Thank you so much for all the songs and singing you have given me over the years. My experience of becoming a mother will always be intrinsically linked to becoming a person who sings.
— Lara Thorogood