Featured Singer: Marilyn Scott
MARILYN SCOTT – CHAIR AND 1st SOPRANO
Marilyn was born in Tredegar, South Wales, in 1944 and almost immediately moved to Teddington, where she lived until moving to Bearsted in 1973.
Marilyn came from a musical family, with some fine singers among her uncle and aunts, but her first love was the piano. She was trained by Professor Gregory from the London College of Music and started giving piano lessons when she was 16, continuing as a piano teacher until she moved to Bearsted. She was introduced to choral singing(1st soprano) almost as soon as she and Ken came to Kent, joining Bearsted Choral Society. It wasn’t long before she had also joined Maidstone Choral Union, the Orpington Festival Choir and Gravesham Choral Society. If that wasn’t enough singing , she was invited to join Domestic Harmony a female quartet plus pianist, and enjoyed 15 years of performing a range of solo and mixed voices music to voluntary groups all around Kent. Domestic Harmony folded with singers moving out of the area, and not long afterwards (1996 ) Marilyn joined Kent Chamber Choir and sung with them for 13 enjoyable if demanding years. Leaving was part of a decision to reduce her involvement in so many different singing groups, and was followed by departure from Maidstone Choral Union after more than 30 years. She has concentrated on Gravesham Choral Society and the Maidstone Singers – a decision she has never regretted. Marilyn has been a member of TMS from the start and her commitment is based not only on the quality and range of performance but the fun of singing with a small group of friends. While she loves the established choral classics, she is excited by the challenge of new music and thinks it is a willingness for TMS to experiment with new works that sets it apart from many other choirs. The other unique feature of TMS, or rather Jeffrey and Jane’s leadership , is the annual tour. Marilyn has been on every one since the beginning. Each has its special moments – both musical and otherwise and all have created fond and valued memories.
When not singing, Marilyn is heavily involved in Samaritans – work she loves. She has made good friends there, just as she has with TMS. She loves dining out and holidays, and has visited over 40 countries over the years
Family and friendship has always been important to Marilyn. She met Ken, shortly before her 16thbirthday, fell in love, and got married as soon as Ken graduated in 1964. They had two children – Howard and Warren before they moved to Bearsted, and later Lara who is Maidstone born and bred. Bearsted has been an important element in their lives – Howard was born in Bearsted Cottage Hospital, Hampton Court and they have lived very happily in the same house in Bearsted for 40 years. Next year is a big year as Marilyn celebrates both her 50th wedding anniversary and her 70th birthday.
Welcoming our new President
At the Farmers’ Market 2011
Relaxing on the beach in Puglia on the choir tour to Puglia 2012
Organizing the troops