Mike has been associated with the choir since its ince ption in 1981. He has a broad musical background being a former member of the West Glamorgan Youth Choir and Orchestra, a church organist, lead soloist in numerous operettas, and the principle soloist with the Pelenna Valley Male Voice Choir.

Despite his various musical talents Mike decided against a musical career and studied Technology at Loughborough University.

He now teaches at Bleangwawr Comprehensive and lives with this wife and children in Abernant. Living in the Cynon Valley involves a 54 mile round trip for each rehearsal.   The choir would like to acknowledge his commitment and are thankful for the support of his family.

Mike became musical directory in September 1990 and has steered the choir through some difficult patches. He is very proud of the fact that the choir has a mixed age range from as young as mid twenties to, well shall we say considerably older! 

Geraint started playing the piano at the ripe old age of 17 under the guidance of Sydney Jones (the founder Musical Directory of the choir). Geraint quickly developed a natural flair for the piano and within two years became the choir accompanist.

Geraint decided against a career in music and instead studied Business Studies at Swansea Metropolitan University. He then went on to study for a Masters degree in computing at Cardiff University and now works as a Software Development Manager for Fujitsu in Swansea.

Geraint has a varied musical taste and once formed a group of Barbershop singers in the choir. He takes the Wednesday night rehearsal and doubles up as accompanist or Musical Director if any of the musical team are unavailable. Geraint has recently started studying piano again and is currently under the direction of Hywel Price.

Rachel started playing the piano with Simon Gratton at the age of 10, which means she's been playing for 21 years. During this time Rachel passed all her piano exams including grade 8. Rachel attended Cwrt Sart Comprehensive School and was part of the school choir and played violin in the school orchestra. She later moved on to the viola and joined the West Glamorgan Youth Orchestra.

Having studied A-level music at Neath college, Rachel went to study music at Thames Valley University London, but left after the first year due to homesickness (very scary place compared to little ol' Neath!). On her return from London Rachel joined the Pelenna Valley Male Voice Choir and has been the accompanist for the past 12 years.

Rachel is currently employed as a Controller with South Wales Police which she loves and has been doing for the last five years. In terms of achievements, Rachel played for Catherine Jenkins in Port Talbot just before she became famous. Barcelona was also an amazing tour which she will never forget, and of course playing for Anthony Hopkins, "although I think I nearly fainted when he came to shake my hand at the end (very star struck!!)".