Freelance musician Tim Sparks is a man of many talents

Freelance musician Tim Sparks is a man of many talents – and of many places!

He sings and plays guitar, ukelele and keyboard.

Another string was added to his bow a year ago when he became musical director of Claritas, the East Cheshire Hospice community choir.

He and wife Sofia have lived in Macclesfield for 15 years.

Tim Sparks playing the ukelele.

Tim said: “I was born in Bristol, grew up in Dorset, studied in Wales, worked in Scotland and have lived in Sweden.

“We moved here in 2010 when we were married and were only going to stay for two years. I never thought I’d like a grey northern town, but we love it here.”

Claritas has raised more than £50,000 for the Hospice since 2006. Tim took over when long serving director Kath Ibbotson retired.

He said: “It’s the first time I’ve led a choir. I’ve sung in many and been a musician for a long time but leading a whole group was something new.

Tim on guitar.

“It’s been a learning curve, but members have been very welcoming and positive. They keep turning up which is great.

“We had a few members leave through natural turnover, but we’ve had far more join which is encouraging.”

The departure of pianist Hilary Balsdon was another big change.

Tim said: “That’s where multi-tasking comes in. Accompanying a choir is one thing but leading a rehearsal while accompanying a choir is another.

“Any age or gender is welcome to join Claritas. There’s no formal audition as such.

Tim with Claritas choir members.

“We try to work out what voice people have and where to put them in the choir. We want singers who can hold a note.

“Our focus is on raising money for East Cheshire Hospice, making music together and having fun.

“We’re more concerned with entertaining the audience than winning competitions. Our repertoire reflects that. It’s less classically focused and more fun stuff.”

Tim trained as an engineer but quit to pursue his love of youth work and music. Websites and computers are also his passion.

Claritas choir at rehearsals.

He said: “I’ve played guitar and sung for 30 years and moved into teaching naturally. I teach guitar privately and in primary schools.

“I also run youth projects with local charity Cre8 on the Moss estate and am involved with ukelele groups at Macclesfield Music Centre.

“I love inspiring others and joke that I’m a teacher because I want more people to play music with.” * Visit www.claritaschoir.com.

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