I would like to say thank you to the many people who have supported me through my musical training and career development. Without their help, none of this would have been possible.

Sponsors

Hanson Musical Instruments

Alastair Hanson founded his musical instrument making business in 1989 with support from The Prince’s Trust.   More than twenty-five years on and joined by his wife Jenny,  Hanson Musical Instruments are recognised amongst the world’s finest and his expertise and experience in instrument design and manufacturing has led to international demand for his services as a consultant. I have been playing Hanson Instruments for more than 10 years now, and have always found them to be of the highest quality. A visit to their Yorkshire workshop is a must, with Alistair and his expert team always on hand to help. Thank you.  

The Elmley Foundation

The Elmley Foundation is an independent grant-making charity which supports the arts in the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The purpose of The Elmley Foundation is to continue the tradition of encouragement of all forms of the arts, crafts and design which has been associated with Madresfield Court over many generations. In doing so, the Foundation perpetuates Madresfield’s considerable influence on the cultural life of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The Foundation was instrumental in funding my Master’s course at the Royal College of Music as well as supporting performances around the world.

The Malvern Theatre Players

The Malvern Theatre Players was formed in September 1977 as the resident company of Malvern Theatres by invitation of the managing Trust. Since then the Company has gone from strength to strength and has, until recently, provided a significant repertory of productions to complement the professional touring shows presented by Malvern Theatres. Thank you to the MTP for supporting me through my studies.

Children’s Chronic Arthritis Association – CCAA

The CCAA is a leading Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis support charity in England and Wales, for families with children suffering from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. The charity is run by people who have been affected by the disease through personal experience and they are passionate about supporting others and providing a support network for children with arthritis and their families.  As a JIA sufferer myself, the CCAA has been a big part of my life from an early age. Thank you for your generous support through the Vicky Cox Grant.

The Philip Bates Trust

The Trust was set up to honour the life of Philip Bates, a young man from Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, who was tragically killed shortly after his 19th birthday in March 2000. The Philip Bates Trust aims to advance the education of young people under the age of 25 in the arts by providing awards to encourage and support their pursuit of creative and artistic achievement. Without their support, I would have run out of sheet music and reeds long ago! Thank you.

The EMI Music Sound Foundation

The Foundation has helped over 7,000 students, schools and teachers improve their access to music through the purchase or upgrade of musical instruments and/or equipment. The Foundation provides grants up to a total of £1,500 towards the purchase of musical instruments and/or equipment for individuals who are in full-time education and Schools who require the equipment to improve their music department. They also fund courses and training opportunities for music teachers who work within schools. Thanks to their support, I was able to purchase a fantastic new Hanson LX Tenor Saxophone.

Family and Friends

Listening to someone practising for hours on end can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when they insist on tuning altissimo! Thank you to my friends and family for putting up with it all and supporting me in all my endeavours.