Meet Mary Williams– Our Choir Leader

Mary is a passionate leader, musician, and vocal coach dedicated to bringing out the best in every singer. With a deep love for harmony, people, and the unique world of barbershop and a cappella music, she inspires singers to push beyond their limits and discover voices they never knew they had.

A Life in Music

Music has been part of Mary’s journey from a young age. She started with flute, recorder, and oboe, actively participating in choirs and even performing in the Bristol Gang Show. Though she took a step back to raise her children, music never left her heart. When she stumbled upon a local playgroup poster advertising barbershop singing, she jumped in—and never looked back.

Now a recognized name in her circles, Mary has performed in award-winning quartets and choruses, directed community choirs, and created learning tracks for vocal groups. She also runs The Curious Singer, a blog dedicated to singing techniques, vocal health, and the joy of making music.

Beyond the Music

When she’s not directing, singing, or coaching, Mary channels her creativity into her digital marketing and web design business, My Type of People. From branding to content creation, she helps businesses find their voice—just as she does with singers.

She’s also an avid runner, having completed the London Marathon in 2021, and can often be found clocking up miles in her well-loved running shoes.

Achievements

🎤 Quartet & Chorus Success

  • Open Mixed Quartet Silver Medalist (IABS 2017) – Lead in Dave and the Divas
  • Semi-Finalist (LABBS 2017) – Baritone in DayDream Quartet
  • Double Chorus Golds (BABS & IABS 2017) – EQ Planet 24 Mixed A Cappella
  • Assistant Director & Baritone Section Leader (Black Sheep Harmony, 2013–2017)

🎶 Community & International Leadership

  • Founder & Director of Zest Choirs – including the fun-focused Tone Deaf Choir
  • Music Director of Avon Harmony A Cappella Chorus in Bristol since 2018
  • Directed UK Harmony Brigade’s international chorus with singers from the USA & UK
  • European Harmony Brigade participant (Berlin)

A Few of Her Favorite Things

Mary is always up for a good laugh, a late-night afterglow at the pub, and a glass of fine wine. She also has a soft spot for owls, designing eye-catching posters, and discovering new music.