Marjory Watson

Everyone has that one Christmas carol or song that's their all time favourite - personally, I think 'O Tannenbaum' goes off. I'm also partial to a bit of 'December Will Be Magic Again' by Kate Bush....the point is, music is a really big part of getting into the Christmas spirit.

Even the most Grinch amongst us feels a little bit excited when they hear the first few seconds of 'All I Want for Christmas is You' (by the fifth glass of bubbly they'll likely be belting it out on karaoke too!)

So this year let's be thankful that we have an extremely talented, wonderful choir here in Perthshire to spread the Christmas cheer! I'm talking about none other than the Fair City Singers. An eighty strong independent choir for 11 - 18 year olds, they have performed extensively in Scotland and abroad - from the Perth Concert Hall, to La Madeleine in Paris and far more. 

We had a chance to catch up with Musical Director Marjory Watson for this especially festive Workdays and Weekends, on the eve of Christmas eve! Merry Christmas when it comes, everyone - and enjoy!

Tell us the weirdest / funniest thing that has ever happened to you at work? 

I once got a call to come in at the last minute to sing on the tour of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ with David Bedella as Frank n Furter. Imagine my surprise when they called a prayer circle in the wings before going on....very surreal!

What signals the start of your days off?
Days off mean that I don’t have to be constantly looking at the clock and running from one place to another. We try to go out somewhere, even if it’s just for lunch, but because it’s such a rare occurrence, I love being in the house, cosied up with the fire on and watching a movie....bliss!

What might people be surprised to know about you?
I sing on the soundtrack of the movie ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’. I am one of the singing dolphins at the start of the film. We recorded that in the Abbey Road studios which was a real privilege.

I am one of the singing dolphins at the start of a well known film...

What is at the top of your bucket list?
If we’re talking musically then I’ve already been soloist at the Royal Albert Hall, London so the top of my list would now be the Carnegie Hall, New York. I’d also love to be on Strictly Come Dancing but I don’t think that’ll happen!

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
I don’t think I’ve really had one but one of the worst parts of my job is when someone says to me ‘Marjory, I think I’m going to be sick...’ The look of horror on my face....I don’t do sick!!

Who or what inspires you?
I’ve grown up with inspiring people who have taught me a lot musically and invested in me personally - George Bell, Janette Bosanko, Ian Henderson - to name but a few. They are not famous people but they have devoted their lives to working with young people in a musical setting.

My husband Stuart and my family provide a loving stability that has allowed me to be the person I am and do everything I do now. They all inspire me to give something back and help young people have the opportunities I had, and so if I can do that for those that I work with then brilliant.

Tell us about the day you’d love to live again?
I’m going to go with one involving the choir. We went on tour to Orkney in July 2017 and one of the days we visited Skara Brae. The sun shone, it was absolutely beautiful and we all ended up on the beach...totally spontaneous. The day became more than we had planned - a magic moment!

It's great when you see the kids in the choir growing in confidence and becoming good role models.

What’s the best part about your job?
Seeing the kids in the choir grow and develop. Obviously this is great to see when the choir as a whole really understands what they’re doing musically and they sound great, but more importantly, it’s when you see them individually growing up, growing in confidence and becoming good role models for the young ones coming up.

Complete this sentence; the best things in life are…
“…definitely free!” Money can’t buy you love or happiness. It doesn’t cost you anything to be kind or to encourage people. And finally, be thankful.