Our Board members between them have a vast range of skills and experience, and all want to help Make Some Noise develop into a strong, successful organisation.

Garry Churchill is a freelance arts consultant, based in Stafford, with many years experience advising arts organizations on their development, structure, business planning and fundraising. His recent clients include the Society for Promotion of New Music, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, and Making Music (the National Federation of Music Societies). He also co-ordinated the recent Music Mapping project for Stoke and Staffordshire.

Maureen Compton is a founder member and treasurer of Stafford Music Festival, and was formerly a member of Culture West Midlands, and Stafford Borough Council. She was also involved in the concept of the Staffordshire Arts Space, a music and performing arts centre currently in development. As a councillor Maureen was Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for Culture and Heritage, responsible for the Cultural Olympiad in the county.

Ian Thomas is Music Education Hub Manager for Telford and Wrekin Council, heading up the development of the Telford and Wrekin Music Service, developing the music education provision, in and out of school settings and working on Telford's "Find Your Talent" (cultural offer) Pathfinder. Ian previously worked for Arts Council England, West Midlands in the education and learning team liaising on Creative Partnerships, Arts Award, ArtsMark and Building Schools for the Future.

Eddie Evans is now enjoying retirement, after a career in local government finance. In his last appointment as Head of External Funding at Staffordshire County Council he supported the development of Make Some Noise as the Youth Music Action Zone for Staffordshire and Stoke. Eddie brings his experience of finance, funding, management and business planning to our newly independent organisation.

Mary McGrath is Chief Executive of BETogether, the Staffordshire Business and Education Consortium. Mary brings her wide network of national and regional contacts to the board, as well as experience of fundraising and managing a charitable organisation.

Merelyn Lobb is Head of Learning and Skills Regimes at Swinfen Hall prison where over 600 young adult male prisoners are held. Merelyn has 20 years experience in further education teaching and management. Her work in prison now focuses on reducing re-offending, by offering training and education, alongside activities such as music, which engage and inspire, while developing skills and employability.

Sharon Jones is a singer and performer, and Director of Birmingham based Sister Tree theatre company. Using music, drama, dance, storytelling and poetry, Sister Tree work in schools, colleges, and prisons, both performing and running workshops. Shaz has worked with Make Some Noise on the Sonic [db] project with young offenders, and has been a board member of Sound Sense, the community music development agency for six years.