Choir Leader Tributes

TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-loved accompanist and choir leader who inspired generations of school children to sing.
Janet Walker, who sadly passed way this August, was the Musical Director of Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir and the Step-Up Choir.
The wife of Councillor Chris Walker, who served as mayor from 2014-15, Mrs Walker was also beloved for directing the West Leigh Junior School Choir, performing often with Leigh-based charity The Music Man Project Essex.
In an emotional tribute on Facebook, David Stanley BEM of The Music Man Project described how Mrs Walker had taken her final concert with the Boys Choir and The Music Man Project only a few weeks ago.
He said: “Jan was a legendary musical figure in her community – a pianist, choir leader and dedicated teacher of generations of children.
“In recent years, Jan performed many concerts with The Music Man Project Essex, featuring her beloved West Leigh Junior School Boys Choir.
“It was such a privilege to witness Jan teaching the boys.
“They adored her and she had a magical way of getting the most out of them.
“The concerts regularly raised over a thousand pounds for The Music Man Project UK charity.
“We celebrated Jan’s final concert with the Boys Choir only a few weeks ago.
“We send our loving prayers to her family.”
MPs past and present also shared their memoirs of Mrs Walker and her constant musical presence in the community.
Anna Firth said: “I met Janet many times when she accompanied so many different choirs and musical groups across Southend. Not only was she super talented, she wore that talent incredibly lightly.
“Truly an inspirational lady, gone far too early. Rest in peace Janet and rise in glory.”
MP for Southend West and Leigh, David Burton-Sampson, paid tribute to her, saying: “Jan was well known to many across Southend and Leigh for her amazing musical talent.
“Just a few weeks ago Jan brought together 60 men to form a one-off choir, Men United in Song for Prostrate Cancer and after just 10 rehearsals under her direction they performed the most outstanding concert. It was a privilege to be present.
“Jan would often appear accompanying many individuals or events such as the Eastwood Remembrance Sunday service.
“I know she will be missed and I send my thoughts to her husband Chris who she served as his Mayoress, the rest of her family and her friends.
“May you rest in peace Jan.”
Picture: Janet Walker – Picture from The Music Man Project UK Facebook post.
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