Charlotte has worked for Congleton Youth Orchestra since 2018, going through the ranks until becoming Musical Director in 2022. She graduated from Bangor University with an MA in 20th and 21st Century Music and BA in Music and German. Her conducting experiences come from university ensembles, deputising for local brass bands and orchestras, as well as her previous role as Wind Tutor for Congleton Youth Orchestra. As a horn player she plays in a number of local ensembles including Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra and Rode Hall Silver Band. She plays and teaches a variety of brass instruments alongside her work in Strategic Planning for East Cheshire NHS Trust. Charlotte finds working with beginner pupils particularly rewarding. Charlotte was also a member of CYO herself before leaving for university, and is looking forward to giving back the musical experiences she gained in those years.

Jerome is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, where he gained a BMus (Hons) in Performance as a viola player. Before beginning his studies at the RNCM, he was a member of the now-defunct Cheshire Youth Orchestra and the Love Music Trust String Sinfonia, for which he now serves as strings tutor, in addition to his new role with Congleton Youth Orchestra. Jerome began playing the violin at about the age of nine, but adopted the viola as his principal instrument at around thirteen, drawn to its darker, more mellow tone. An eclectic musician, he has performed in settings ranging from session orchestras to folk and medieval ensembles, and he enjoys the distinctive opportunities offered by each.

A former member of the National Youth Wind Orchestra, Nicky Walton graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 1993. She was also awarded two professional performance diplomas (merit and distinction), both as a soloist and as a member of the Aldelphi Saxophone Quartet.
Whilst studying at the RNCM she was also awarded first prize in the Park Lane Concert Series and the John Tunnel Trust music competitions. Nicky has performed extensively throughout the UK, premiering works by composers including Jean Francaix, Anthony Gilbert and Philip Wilby. Performance venues include the South Bank, the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican and the Cheltenham Festival.

Nicky has spent the last 25 years living in Cheshire and works as a freelance woodwind tutor, composer and arranger and her music is published by Breakthrough Music. She is also member of the music staff at Stockport Grammar School and Wilmslow High School with whom has recently returned from a successful music tour to Belgium. Although she is now a Mum to four very busy and in her words ‘time consuming’ children she manages to find some spare time each week to coach at Wilmslow Lightning netball club!

Helen Corcoran joined our team of Volunteer Tutors at the start of the September 2016 term. She is a very experienced player, playing the violin regularly with the North Staffs. Symphony Orchestra.

Phoebe has recently qualified as a secondary music teacher, teaching in a local high school.
She is a brass player, supporting both the Intermediate and Senior Orchestras. She plays in a number of local brass bands and enjoys singing.