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Who's Who

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Sarah Petts
Upbeat! Pianist

Sarah is an incredible asset to our weekly Upbeat! rehearsals. She began accompanying Upbeat! in 2016, previously having sung in the soprano section. She is a brilliant musician and a wonderful support to Carol.

Sarah is Head of Music at Woodbridge Prep School and is also flautist and caller with Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band. When she is not performing with Upbeat! or Stumpy Oak, she enjoys walking and spends time with her husband and two children .

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Chris Shemmings
Drummer

Chris is the drummer for all the Christmas and summer concerts. We always know concerts are getting close when Chris turns up with his drum kit to rehearsals!

He also plays in  local band, The Uptowns, and teaches drums when he has time. When he's not drumming or at work he can usually be found in his garden, on a pitch coaching kids football, spending time with his family,  or in the pub! 

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Paul Whittingham
Guitarist

Paul is the guitarist for both summer and Christmas concerts. He started learning guitar while at college in the 1980s.  He was a founding member of the local band now known as The Lark Side. He has accompanied Upbeat since 2018.  Paul’s treasured possession is his red Fender guitar, a 50th birthday present. “I had always wanted one since I saw Mark Knopfler playing one in 1978.  Sadly that’s where the resemblance ends”, says Paul.

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Alan Davidson
Double Bass

Alan plays double bass for our concerts has been playing various stringed instruments for over 50 years, covering most musical genres in several bands.

Nowadays he concentrates on his ever-present companion 'Bessie' the double bass who is now over 100 years old!

He says " What other instrument can you give a big hug when she's been good?"

He has many a tale to tell about Bessie, and always brings a beautiful rich sound to our concerts and concert rehearsals. 

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Graham Seabrook
Offbeat! Pianist 

Graham has been accompanying Offbeat!and playing at our concerts since Offbeat! formed in 2022. He has been playing piano most of his life. Whilst classically trained, he also enjoys playing keyboards with local Grundisburgh band, The Larkside. Married to Nicky, with 2 grown up children, Graham has lived in Grundisburgh for over 20 years.

The Musicians

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