Ellie Blackeby, Music Director

Ellie leads on musical development and strategy, chairs the Music Team and represents the chorus at regional meetings.

Ellie has been a member of Lace City Chorus since the age of 14. She was introduced to barbershop by her school teacher, and former Lace City director Glenn Chaney. Having been appointed as Interim Music Director .in May 2020, Ellie accepted the role permanently in April 2021.

She has a huge amount of experience and talent and has achieved great things both regionally and internationally. She has an impressive track record of quartet success and is a previous Rising Star champion, regional gold medalist and has earned a top 15 International placement. She has competed as a member of Lace City, winning six gold medals and competing internationally.  She sings Bass with Vida Loca, the 2024 Sweet Adelines Region 31 champion quartet.

In 2021 Ellie was appointed as a member of the Region 31 faculty in recognition of her many skills and talents. In 2022 she became a Sweet Adelines Master Director when the chorus scored more than 600 points at her first regional convention as Music Director.

Helen Abbott, Assistant Director and Choreographer

Helen has been a member of Lace City Chorus since she was 14 years old, having started singing at school aged 11. She is now baritone section leader, choreographer and assistant director.   She sings Baritone with Vida Loca, the 2024 Sweet Adelines Region 31 champion quartet.

Shortly before joining the chorus, she sung with In the Spotlight quartet, winning second place at the International Rising Star quartet contest. She also sang with Pure Innocence, winning fourth and fifth placed regional medals. 

Before joining the chorus, Helen was an international gymnast representing Great Britain in international competitions in Russia and the UK.

Jo Bird, Assistant Director