Hello and may I introduce myself, I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as your chairman of the board of MfE trustees.
After Andrew’s amazing achievements in helping secure the growth and development of Music for Everyone, he’s going to be a tough act to follow.
I’m relieved that he’s just a phone call away if I need some words of his MfE wisdom!
As some of you may know, I discovered the glories of MfE almost by accident.
It was a leaflet advertising MfE’s Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius several years ago that drew me in. The matching of MfE’s musical excellence with its “have -a-go” offer was enough to tempt me to test my tenor voice in subsequent years.
I also knew that Angela’s infectious enthusiasm, drive and brilliance was guaranteed star dust for TV…so I made a film for BBCOne’s “Inside Out” programme about Angela and MfE as the charity approached its 30th anniversary.
As chair for the next three years, I hope I am able to bring some of my media/news background to help further raise our profile. With constant demands on everyone’s budgets and time, MfE and its music making is not immune from financial pressures.
That’s where your continuing generosity and cash support – whether through donations or sponsorship – is so vital.
I am also delighted to have a group of talented and experienced fellow trustees. They help me to back up the dedication and sheer hard work of Angela and her creative team.
One final thought: Angela and “Music for Everyone” are ambitious to encourage more people to rekindle or discover the joys of music making.
You can help. Spread the word!
John Hess
Chair, Music for Everyone Trustees