Felicity

Felicity Newell

Felicity Newell is the drummer and percussionist for the Velvet Tones. Felicity has been playing the drums since she was 7, before she could even reach the pedals! She initially started on the violin, but in one lesson spotted a drum kit and thought that looked more fun.

She grew up playing percussion in any ensemble she could persuade her parents to drive her to – from percussion ensembles, to big bands, brass bands, wind bands, musical theatre groups, and orchestras. She attended the Junior Royal Northern College of Music during sixth form before going on to study percussion at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, where performance highlights included playing with the Hofesh Shechter Dance Company in a collaboration with Anthony Gormley and drumming in the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.

When not playing, Felicity can be found working in digital marketing, running across the Chilterns, or drinking tea.

Felicity’s favourite pieces are any of the big vocals (it’s hard to resist the temptation to sing along!)

Peter Lovett

Peter Lovett

Peter Lovett is the guitarist of the band. Coming from a classical guitar background where most of the repertoire is solo or for small ensembles, he is finally fulfilling his ambition of playing with a large group. And he couldn’t have landed in a better place. Peter is the proud guardian of Rusko, a border terrier, who attends all Velvet Tones rehearsals and as many gigs as possible and is the unofficial band mascot.

Unsurprisingly, Peter and Rusko’s favourite number from the pad is “Doghouse”.

Charl Engela

Charl Engela is the bass player in The Velvet Tones. He grew up in Johannesburg and since the age of 15 he has played in folk duos, function bands, rock bands, pit orchestras, and small jazz combos, on keyboards, guitar, bass, and as a backup singer; thankfully he now restricts himself just to bass playing. His main basses are Fender Jazz, Fender Coronado and Ashbory instruments. He has a music degree from The Open University, is married to Suzie and has lived in Oxford since 1996. His other hobbies include cocktail bartending and he designs the Velvet Tones gig posters. He is also a season ticket holder at Oxford United.

Charl’s favourite tune from the VT pad is Time After Time.