|
Mike
McElya (workshop leader): ‘I grew up
in Michigan with a theatre background: my degree in
theatre directing is from Columbia College in Chicago.
It was there that I fell in love with the djembe.
Later I moved to England and in 1994 set up the Sunshine
Drumming Company. I have worked with and inspired
hundreds of different school groups, prisoners, kids
at risk, as well as corporate team building for small
and big business.’
|
|
Russ
Stanley (musical director): ‘ I’ve
been a performing musician for over 30 years and my
instruments include violin, mandolin, guitar, percussion
and bouzouki. As an Equity member I’ve had many
jobs ranging from touring with a jive swing street
theatre band to clowning in Hungary.’
|
|
Geoffrey
Stow (musician): ‘ A long time ago,
I did playing saucepans. I had drumming lessons ...
when I was at Avalon school, I played drums there.
I first played the djembes at Glastonbury festival.
I’m an artist ... I do photography, cooking,
computer, gardening... and dance.’
|
|
Jane
Harwood (project manager / musician):
‘I’ve taught for the Wiltshire Music Service
and run projects for Youth Music; I’m a mentor
for the South West Music School and a community music
trainer and consultant. I’ve worked a lot with
the learning disabled community and specialise in
storytelling, personal narratives and inclusive communication.
I play in two bands as well – lots of fun.’
|
|
Sometimes
Count Me In extends the team to include
‘peer mentors’ who help us make decisions,
and support participants, whilst learning music leading
skills. Robert L and Stephen H helped us deliver two
years of exciting workshops for the ArtsXchange project.
|
