Chas F Smith - Musical Director

Born in the ship-building town of Sunderland in the North-East of England Chas was the eldest of 6 children all of whom were brought up in The Salvation Army. It was therefore natural that he learned to play a brass instrument and so from the time he could hold a cornet his father taught him to play. Chas performed his first solo of variations on a theme at the age of 5 years and continued to do so throughout the coming years performing in numerous prestige venues throughout the UK and Europe.

Chas was 18 when called up for National Service and went into the RAF for 3 years. It was here that he had his first taste of conducting the station band. He enjoyed it so much that as soon as he left the RAF he directed a children's choir. From that moment Chas has conducted various choirs and bands and has taught at numerous Summer Music Schools.

Chas and his wife, Eunice, moved to Spain in December 2002 and immediately became involved with the Torrevieja Barbershop Harmonisers (TBH) where he became MD in 2003.

Chas' ability in lifting the standard of TBH was being noted and he was later approached to see if he would consider Directing a new mixed voice choir which is now known as the Crescendo International Choir.