Eleanor Wright is a teacher, choir director, poet, musician and composer based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, in the UK. She studied a BA (Hons) in Music and English at The University of Sheffield and subsequently gained a PGCE at Sheffield Hallam University. In 2004 her outstanding teaching was recognised when she gained Advanced Skills Teacher Status, an honour bestowed on only the top 3% of teachers in the country.
With over 25 years of teaching experience, Eleanor still works as a music specialist in a primary school, in addition to leading numerous choirs as part of Barnsley Youth Choir, an organisation she has helped to lead since its inception 17 years ago. She is now Strategic Lead for all the Junior and Children’s Choirs. She also works as a Singing Development Champion, delivering vocal workshops to primary schools in and around Barnsley and creating online resources to assist with singing in schools.
Eleanor has written countless original compositions, arrangements and warm-ups for the choir she runs and is the founder, composer and musical director of Little Singers, music classes for 0-4yr olds, which began 8 years ago and recently extended the ranks of Barnsley Youth Choir. For this, Eleanor has trained extensively in the Kodaly technique which she uses as the basis for all Early Years teaching. Eleanor recently had her lyrics published as part of a collaboration with the world-renowned composer, Tracy Wong. This was for a commission by a large ACDA Consortium for multiple choirs. They are currently working on their second commission together, this time for the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. Eleanor also wrote the musical, Matilda, which was performed by the choir at her primary school and a professional band.
A talented musician, Eleanor plays viola, violin, piano and ukulele, and enjoys passing on these skills to the next generation. She has also been involved in consultancy work for other musical organisations, such as Sheffield Music School, to try to increase the profile of singing. She is a highly motivated and talented teacher who brings boundless levels of energy and commitment to everything she does.
