Mandy recently retired after an illustrious 37-year tenure as Head of Music at Lochgelly High School. Her commitment to music education spanned a remarkable 43 years with Fife Council, where she inspired generations of students through her dedication and expertise.

Throughout her career, Mandy has actively worked at regional, national, and international levels to promote and nurture music making. She serves as Depute Principal Assessor for Higher Music for Qualification Scotland, is the long-standing Musical Director of the Dunfermline Choral Union—holding the post since 1993 —and has recently retired as Administrator of The Fife Festival of Music after 33 years. Her leadership has been integral to the growth and success of these organisations.

In 2005, Mandy founded Dunfermline Junior Chorus (DJC), an organisation comprising four choirs and welcoming young people aged 6 to 18 years. Under her guidance, DJC members have enjoyed the unique opportunity to perform in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and Dunfermline, the Royal Festival Hall in London, and the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. Notably, a senior group of choristers sang for King Charles III and the Queen Consort in Dunfermline to celebrate the granting of City Status in October 2022. Mandy looks forward with excitement to marking the choir’s 21st Anniversary in June.

Mandy is highly sought after as a workshop practitioner in Choral Music Education. She is renowned for her inspirational teaching of choral conducting across the UK, Ireland, Canada, and the USA. Her international influence includes a Conducting and Teaching residency with the St Louis Children’s Choirs and Music Teachers in the St Louis district, an engagement she has maintained for over 16 years.

In addition to her many achievements, Mandy has frequently been invited to adjudicate at choral competitions and music festivals, where her insightful feedback and encouragement have been greatly valued by participants and organisers alike. Her passion for fostering young talent also extends to mentoring emerging conductors and educators, ensuring the continued growth and vitality of choral music for future generations.

Internationally recognised publishers, Hal Leonard, and Boosey & Hawkes have published her arrangements of Scottish songs.

Mandy continues to express gratitude for a life enriched by music making and the companionship of like-minded friends, cherishing the many opportunities and relationships fostered throughout her positive career.