George Jones

George has been Musical Director of Billingshurst Choral Society since its foundation in 1986, and was delighted to conduct the world premiere of the Billingshurst Mass in November 2000 in Chichester Cathedral. He began conducting in his teens, and has directed choral societies in several parts of the country including Prestbury in Cheshire and Witham in Essex. George is also Musical Director of The Angmering Chorale, and conducted the first combined concert in November 2003 in Arundel Cathedral. It is largely due to his reputation that BCS and The Angmering Chorale were invited to sing Karl Jenkin’s The Armed Man at Carnegie Hall in New York in January 2007.

A headteacher for many years, George specialised in music during his training and is particularly concerned with creating musical opportunities for young people. He has, for several years, been Musical Director of both Godalming and Guildford Junior Schools' Music Festivals and, since his retirement in 1997 from the teaching profession, has been working with Surrey County Arts, establishing and directing additional festivals in many parts of Surrey. In 2005 thirteen festivals gave a total of over 4,000 Surrey children the opportunity to join with others in making music in an enjoyable and non-competitive manner.

George has also directed festivals in Billingshurst and Angmering, following the participation of local school choirs in the Christmas concerts given by Billingshurst Choral Society and The Angmering Chorale. He was pleased to be an Adjudicator for the 2003 and 2004 Arun Young Musician festivals organised by the Littlehampton Rotary Club.

George is a church organist and choirmaster of great experience, and is currently Director of Music for St Peter & St Paul, Rustington.