Shona Holmes  ABCA(TD) LBCA

 

Born in 1963 she began accordion lessons at the age of 9 years thanks to the encouragement of her accordionist mother Aileen Holmes (formerly Shand) who played in Scottish Dance Bands in Aberdeen in the 1950’s. Living in Harwich, Essex studied under Pearl Watson ABCA(TD) from 1973-1988.  During that time Shona won many prizes at National and Regional Competitions, becoming runner-up at the "Accordion Times Festival" in Leicester in 1985, as well as at the NAO UK Championships (Advanced Solo) in 1984,1986 & 1987.  With her duet partner Susan Gosling they became the UK Premier Duet Champions in 1986.

Shona worked her way through all the grades of the British College of Accordionists - Practical, Theory & Duet Exams and followed these up with the Associate and Licentiate Diplomas in 1986. 

The same year she was invited onto the Teachers Advisory Council of the British College of Accordionists and the Board of Governors of the National Accordion Organisation. From 1988-1993 Shona held various posts within the NAO Executive including Festival Headquarters and Trophy Manager.

One of her main loves is orchestral playing and joined her first orchestra the "Pearl Foote Accordion Orchestra Junior Band "  in 1973 and quickly progressed to the Senior Band in 1975. When Shona moved from Harwich to Watford she was invited to become the Leader of the East Surrey Accordion Society in 1989-1993 under the Baton of Graham Romani.

Shona formed her own music school in 1990, " Watford Accordion School " (formerly Holmes-Bodell Musicians) and since that time has guided many of her pupils successfully through preparation for competitions, examinations & concerts.

Shona has been the local representative of the "British College of Accordionists" since 1991 and organises the examinations for the Watford Centre.

Shona now concentrates her time in juggling family life with running "Watford Accordion School & Band" and also findstime to perform in a barndance & ceilidh band.