MEET THE TEAM
Laura Bennett-Gornall
Founder & choir leader
Founder of Local Vocals, Laura’s whole life has centred around music. She studied at the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, receiving the Beatles Story Prize from Sir Paul McCartney, and has worked with various choirs & singing ensembles for 13 years.
In 2021, she decided to create her own, truly authentic local singing community, with a real emphasis on supporting local charities in need across the North West, championing our local communities.
She now leads three thriving Local Vocals choirs in Preston, Chorley & Wigan, as well as supporting the rest of the Local Vocals’ team around the North West.Local Vocals has grown into a wonderful community of hundreds of local voices, raising tens of thousands of pounds for local causes in need and she truly feels as though she is living the dream.
Mike Holcroft
Producer
Mike is a multi-instrumentalist, music producer and Laura's right hand man for all things Local Vocals. He produces & performs on the Local Vocals' backing tracks in collaboration with Laura’s vocal arrangements, creating bespoke pieces unique to our choir. He can also be seen on various instruments at many of our live performances (often hiding behind an array of cymbals!)
Mike has been obsessed with music for his entire life and has played everything from Rock, Jazz-Fusion, Folk, Big Band and everything in between. He currently works as a producer from his own studio, Upholland Recording Studio, and performs in Liverpool cult favourites Professor Yaffle.
Marie Bennett
Admin manager
After 31 years of teaching, Marie retired from her role as Assistant Headteacher & is now in charge of all things ‘admin’ at Local Vocals; managing the workload involved in the growing company.
Apart from being Laura’s mother(!), Marie is the perfect person for the role and is on hand to help choir leaders & choir members via office@localvocalschoir.com, as well as heading up some of the day-to-day admin involved, liaising with our choir leaders, support teams and being an integral part of our event planning and community outreach.
John Wright
Choir leader for Morecambe, Lancaster, Fleetwood, St Annes & Poulton-le-Fylde
John is a composer, performer and music educator based in Blackpool. Originally from the Midlands he moved to Dorset where he studied music. After this, he became a professional singer and musician performing solo and as part of a function band.
John and his wife Lisa run a music business, teaching privately in primary schools as well as running community choirs and vocal workshops. John also composes soundtracks for computer game projects and continues to perform live for weddings and events, both as a solo artist and as a duo with his son Joel.
John leads our Local Vocals' choirs in Morecambe, Lancaster, St. Annes, Poulton and Fleetwood. He is passionate about family, community, and providing opportunities for people to come together to experience the joy of singing as a community.
Jonny Rees
Choir leader for Bolton & Salford
Jonny is a choir leader and music educator based in South Manchester. Originally from the North East, he studied music in York and, after graduating in 2011, has worked as a performer, singing teacher, and conductor, leading choirs and ensembles of all ages.
In 2019, Jonny relocated to Manchester, where he has focused on working as a music specialist in primary schools. Along the way, he's had the privilege of training alongside some of the region’s top professionals, completing courses with Hale and Sing For Pleasure to deepen his expertise.
He is deeply passionate about inspiring and empowering individuals to sing and create music together in a fun, accessible, and inclusive environment.
Beyond the music, Jonny loves using singing to bring joy to the local community, raising funds for important causes and charities.
Rose Allen
Choir leader for Altrincham, Prescot, Warrington & Leigh
Music has been at the heart of Rose’s life from the very beginning. From her first piano lesson at the age of seven, she developed an adoration for listening, studying, and performingmusic - that has only continued to grow.
In 2024, she graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Musical Theatre, from the Royal Conservatoire of Leeds, where she immersed herself in a vibrant and diverse musical community. During her time there, she discovered a true passion for musical direction, which has since shaped her professional journey.
Alongside performing, Rose has dedicated herself to teaching music and theatre to children across the North East, from one-to-one tuition to directing children’s theatre productions. Having been inspired and shaped by so many wonderful teachers and mentors throughout her own journey, she now feels it is her turn to give back - using the power of music to uplift others, create meaningful connections, and bring joy to her community.
Phil Reynolds
Choir leader for Oldham, Bury & Rochdale/Littleborough
Phil is a choir leader, vocal coach, professional bassist & music educator based in North Manchester. Originally from Cambridgeshire, he studied music at the Royal Academy of Music and, after graduating in 1995, worked as a musician in over 70 West End & UK touring shows with everyone from Elaine Paige & Michael Ball to Glenn Close & even Hugh Jackman. He has also performed with many top orchestras, played in jazz and rock ensembles and recorded at top recording studios including Abbey Road in London.
In 2002, Phil qualified as a music teacher and has since spent more than 20 years teaching music and performing arts in schools, colleges and university. Along the way, he's had the privilege of training with some of the industry’s top professionals, completing courses with Vocal Process, Embodima, The Voice Study Centre and others to deepen his expertise.
Phil currently teaches on the Musical Theatre course at the prestigious Pendleton School of Theatre in Salford, where he enjoys being able to pass on his knowledge and experience to future generations of West End performers. He also finds time to squeeze in a busy private teaching practice and even a few professional concerts and shows to keep his hand in as a bass player!
Phil is a firm believer in the power of song – and singing – to unite people and improve mental, physical and emotional well being.
Nothing brings people together like a good choir, so he is delighted to help bring the Local Vocals experience to North Manchester!
George Harry Jones
Choir leader for Clitheroe, Blackburn & Burnley
George is an experienced musician, educator and performer with a diverse background in teaching, live performance, and music production. His musical journey began in youth musical theatre, where he developed a passion for singing, ensemble performance, and stagecraft. He later earned a degree in Songwriting, equipping him with strong creative and technical skills in composition, arranging, and musical expression.
As an educator, George has worked extensively with young people, fostering creativity and confidence through music. His teaching emphasises collaboration, enjoyment, and the development of musical skills in accessible and engaging ways.
Alongside education, George has established himself as a professional recording artist and producer. He has written, arranged, and produced original music for a range of companies and creative projects, with work spanning from studio production to commercial commissions. George is also an active live performer, regularly playing gigs as a vocalist and guitarist.
He has experience singing for large audiences, bringing energy, confidence, and musicality to the stage. His wide-ranging background across performance, production, and education gives him a unique perspective as a choir leader, inspiring singers to discover their voices and experience the joy of collective music-making.