4Tunes came together in Spring 2025. We had all played and sung together in previous bands and choirs but a chance rehearsal as a foursome left us in no doubt that we wanted to work together to produce music that touches the soul and warms the heart; sounds that are familiar yet uniquely our own.
Our varied musical tastes, together with a love of the outdoors and the beautiful Lake District, mean that we could not be happier sharing our new journey. This unique blend is the foundation of our sound and our bond as a band.
Meet the band
Shirley (Shirls)
Lead vocals/percussion
Shirley relies on an eclectic backlog of musical genres to tune into her favourite sounds. A stint singing in a rock band, Random Chords, as an undergraduate forty years ago, and a more recent taste as backing singer in a local band, Shirley now sings in a local choir and is delighted to be revisiting what she most loves – singing Jazz, Blues and Indie Folk with 4Tunes and playing the cajón.
Shirley studied Spanish, French and Portuguese at the University of Sheffield and taught and was Head of Modern Languages in London secondary schools before ‘rewiring’ to The Lakes three years ago. Originally from Liverpool, she often returns to London for her family and old friends fix and to visit her beloved Bushy Park to attend her local parkrun. Shirley teaches Spanish on-line, is a keen hiker and runner, a regular Yogi and a writer.
Cecilia (Ceci)
Keyboard/vocals
With a classical music background, time in the Army, and several years as a teacher of woodwind and keyboard, Cecilia's lifelong experience as a musician crosses between orchestral and popular genres. Trained to 'read the dots', and to understand music theory and history, she sings alto in a local choir, has played in several groups and bands, and is delighted that 4Tunes has opened a new and enjoyable repertoire.
After graduating from Edinburgh, Cecilia joined the Army and served in Berlin, the Falklands and UK, but with the birth of her second child - she was the first woman in the Army to have two children whilst serving - she started a second career teaching music and drama and also played with the Band of Scots Guards at the Edinburgh Military tattoo. Fitness, if not 'yomping' and parkrun, both as a runner and volunteer, are keen weekly interests.
Tony (Bones)
Electro/acoustic guitars/ ukulele/vocals
As a teenager, Tony played the drums in a 1960s Blues band. He took up the guitar on retiring and has since played in several local bands as well as trying his hand as a solo artist. He loves the challenge of a good riff and openly admits to ‘losing himself in the music’. John Prine, Sam Fender and Fleet Foxes are among his many musical heroes and he is enjoying seeing where 4Tunes takes him.
Tony is retired, although he still works part-time as a director of a community green energy company. After serving as a police officer and a Non-Commissioned Officer with the Parachute Regiment, he has lived in The Lakes for over forty years, working as a mountain instructor, Lake District National Park ranger and a Bed and Breakfast owner. He is a keen mountaineer, sea kayaker, trail runner and traveller.
Mick ( Moo)
Bass guitar/vocals
Musically, Mick has been a chorister since the age of 9 and is now a nomadic bass singer in various choirs. He has played in bands for many years and plays bass guitar and enjoys singing harmonies. For him, playing with 4Tunes is an absolute privilege. For Mick 'there are few things finer than making sweet music with friends.’
Mick was born a Londoner but has lived in the North West for 15 years and considers himself an adoptive Northerner. He is an 11+ failure with a Masters degree and for five years was General Secretary of the National Association of Headteachers. His career was in primary education and he was headteacher for 27 years. Mick was a national and international speaker with frequent appearances on radio and television. Mick lives with his soulmate – Bruce the dog, a regular participant at 4Tunes' rehearsals!
