Aloud Alumni
Our Alumni scheme is for former members of our Aloud choirs who have graduated from Only Boys Aloud, Only Girls Aloud or Only Kids Aloud.
Matthew Thomas, Only Boys Aloud Alumnus
What advice would you give a boy who is thinking about joining Only Boys Aloud?
I would certainly recommend it. There is nothing else like OBA. You will meet incredible people and make good friends. Joining OBA will open doors for you, and you will gain fantastic experiences, opportunities and memories that will stay with you.
Read more about Matthew’s time in OBA in our blog.
Emyr Wyn Jones, Only Boys Aloud Alumnus
Did being a member of OBA help you achieve your goals or ambitions?
The opportunity to receive coaching, guidance, and friendship from one of the most successful vocal groups was an incredible experience, and one that changed me.
Read more about Emyr’s time in OBA in our blog.
James Evans-Jones, Only Boys Aloud Alumnus
What was the best thing about being in OBA?
The best thing was meeting a group of boys who turned into great friends for life, and who all had the same shared interests and passions.
It was also amazing being able to sing as one huge team, and I especially remember the joy and shivers that went down my neck when we sang the last note of ‘Calon Lan’. Learning all about musicianship, being coached by inspiring professionals and having a great time in weekly rehearsals was a highlight.
Read more about James’ time in OBA in our blog.
Paul Monaghan, Only Boys Aloud Alumnus
What advice would you give to a boy who is thinking about joining OBA?
I would love for as many boys as possible to experience the phenomenal opportunities that I received, and allow The Aloud charity to continue their brilliant work. Opportunities are there to be taken, so take this one; you may find it to be life-changing. My advice is to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. I would love for as many boys as possible to experience the phenomenal opportunities that I received, and allow The Aloud charity to continue their brilliant work. Opportunities are there to be taken, so take this one; you may find it to be life-changing.
Read more about Paul’s time in OBA in our blog.
Aled Wyn Thomas, Only Boys Aloud Alumnus
Did being a member of OBA help you achieve your goals or ambitions?
The experiences I had from being a member of OBA, such as competing on Britain’s Got Talent, performing as guests on The X Factor and recording a studio album enabled me to gain a varied set of skills that helped to differentiate me from others, during university and job applications, which was invaluable.
Read more about Aled’s time in OBA in our blog.
Josh Jones, Only Boys Aloud Alumnus and Choir Leader
What was the best thing about being in OBA?
I made some of my greatest friends and now colleagues and I got to perform in some of the most prestigious venues, and events in the UK. The best thing for me has been the aftermath of OBA – it sculptured and inspired me into the person I am today. I simply wouldn’t be having a career in music, if it weren’t for being a member of OBA.
Jordan Lloyd Jones, Only Kids Aloud Alumnus
Did being a member of OKA help you achieve your goals or ambitions?
I would say with confidence that being part of OKA had such an impact on me and inspired me to dream big and aspire to be the performer I’ve now become.
I have performed on the West End in Les Miserables 30th anniversary. I have also appeared on a BBC1 PrimeTime show called ‘Pitch Battle’ and competed with Elinor Powell’s Sgarmes where we had the pleasure of singing with Jermaine Jackson (The Jackson 5). And now for the last year and foreseeable future, I’m currently travelling the world as a lead vocalist on AIDA Cruises.
The people I have met and experiences I’ve encountered would probably never have happened if it weren’t for my time in OKA. I will never forget the time I had while I was a member and it’s definitely an experience I will cherish for a lifetime!
Meet the Alumni
Meet Elliot, our Alumni Advisor
Elliot Howells is an OBA Alumni, Calon Member and previous Aloud Charity Trustee. Following his time as a Trustee, Elliot is now helping us develop initiatives for Alumni.
“Having been both a beneficiary and a Trustee of The Aloud Charity, I know first hand the impact that every pound makes to Aloud. I have felt and seen the impact Aloud has on young people and the musical landscape of Wales and I want to make sure that their work continues for decades to come.”
“My highlight as a member of OBA was singing the final note of Calon Lan during the final of Britain’s Got Talent. Not only because being on a national TV show was pretty exciting, but because an audience of literally millions of people got to experience the power of a choir belting an iconic Welsh hymn! In OBA’s first performance in 2010.”
In 2019, Callum Scott Howells became Aloud’s very first Youth Ambassador.
Here’s Callum reading the poem ‘Open Door’ by Rhiannon Oliver, which was written especially for Aloud’s documentary series, which first aired in 2022.
The poem highlights the importance of opportunity for young people across Wales.
Watch a clip from one of the featured songs here, recorded at St David’s Hall in Cardiff.
SUPPORT US
Help keep the music alive
Make a Donation
By donating today, you’ll be part of the Aloud story, helping us provide positive, life-changing experiences for young people across Wales.
Become a Calon Member
Calon means ‘Heart’ in Welsh and our Calon Members are the beating heart of The Aloud Charity, playing a vital part in our success.
Fundraise for Us
Whether you want to run a marathon or take on your own charity challenge, you can help support our activity in your local area.
