ABOUT

Hi and thanks for finding out a bit more about Sing United.

Dr Mark Deeks

Mark has a PhD in Heavy Metal music (yes, really!) and 25+ years working as a musical director, pianist, arranger and teacher.

As a musical director Mark has worked with singers as solo artists such as Faye Tozer (Steps), with bands, orchestras, music theatre companies, and working with community singing groups of all shapes and sizes! This has included working with Magic Radio, BBC, Sage Gateshead, and working extensively with Inspiration UK both in the UK and internationally. I have previous clients in Canada, Finland, Holland, and the UK including the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Now he wants to work with YOU!

“I’ve always been struck by just how much more powerful performances can be, when the singer feels a connection to the story, message, or identity of the song. There’s no denying that if a singer has a personal link to the meaning of the lyrics, both performers and audience experience something extra special. It could be a story the singer feels empathy with, lyrics that express a pride in the region they call ‘home’, or a protest they want to support.

When these emotions are put to song, it’s a powerful combination!

As a musical director I always try to make sure that when I’m leading a group we’re having fun and smiling whilst we work hard. You sing because you love it and we never take that for granted.”

Organisations Mark Has Worked With

Angela Deeks

P.A. and Business Development

Hello, my name is Angela! Here at Sing United I help Mark with the admin and keeping all our lovely singers happy… plus I’m the first smiling face you see at every rehearsal with the register!

Singing is my absolute favourite thing to do and I can’t wait to sing with YOU! I also love to perform in music theatre shows – especially when I get to sing (no surprise there!), and have appeared as Sister Mary Roberts in Sister Act at the Theatre Royal, been Sandra Dee in Grease at Blyth Phoenix Theatre, and love nothing more at Christmas than being a Geordie Fairy Queen in panto!

You’ll also see me helping Mark run our Facebook Group for current singers Sing United North East that we use for getting information to singers quickly when we need to, as well as enjoying lots of laughs and banter! I LOVE helping to organise our Green Heart Army and seeing our singers be so passionate about both their singing and our work in the community. If you need me just shout!

Suzanne Williams

Blogger and Social Media Assistant

Hey there, it’s Suzanne! I have sung in various groups and worked with Mark since I moved to the beautiful North East 18 years ago. Singing has been a huge part of my life since I was a little girl. Being part of communities of like-minded people has brought me many special friendships and experiences I will always be incredibly grateful for. My love to sing and the people I get to sing with has not only been a massive joy in my life, it has been an important thread running through no matter what life has in store for me!

In addition to running my own Virtual Assistant business in Whitley Bay, I love being so involved with Sing United. As well as being a member of the group since its launch, I love blogging about our latest exploits, the songs we are singing and especially telling the fascinating stories of our wonderful singers.

A big bonus for me is Sing United’s mission to give back in every way we can, and the sense of community that brings. This is an important part of my personal life and to be able to do this at the same time as doing something I love, it’s a win-win! I’m so excited to play my part as we grow and look forward to being involved in any way I can for many years to come.

💚 We are the Green Heart Army 💚

“Its a great trick to keep something like this light-hearted and informal but ultra professional at the same time, which Mark (and Angela) manage brilliantly. Its an absolute pleasure to sing such fantastic material with so many friendly people. Would recommend unreservedly to anyone who likes to sing.”

Organisations Mark Has Worked With