Award-winning saxophonist, composer and broadcaster YolanDa Brown is to become new chair of the Youth Music charity.
The MOBO award-winning saxophonist, band leader, composer and broadcaster will take up the role in January 2018.
Youth Music is a national charity, founded in 1999, to provide regular music-making opportunities for young people experiencing challenging circumstances who would otherwise miss out.
The charity invests in over 350 projects across the country, involving 75,000 young people every year. As well as helping young people develop musically, the charity’s projects also improve their personal and social skills, boosting educational and career prospects.
Brown said: ‘I’m passionate about making sure young people have the opportunity to make music in a way that’s right for them, particularly those who, through no fault of their own, face barriers to taking part. I’m committed to helping break down these barriers, and so I’m thrilled to be joining as chair of Youth Music.
‘I know from personal experience the positive and transformative benefits of music-making. I also see the pressing need to make sure that all young people facing challenges in their lives get whatever support they need to experience these benefits. Youth Music is totally focused on this mission and I share its goal of achieving a musically inclusive England.’
Matt Griffiths, Youth Music’s chief executive, added: ‘We can’t wait to start working with YolanDa. Her combination of skills, experience and, perhaps most of all, steely determination to make a difference are perfectly suited to what we need now from our new Chair. On behalf of the Youth Music team, warm congratulations to YolanDa from us all. We look forward to her starting in January.’
YolanDa succeeds Andy Parfitt, the current Chair of Youth Music, who stands down in December following five years in the role.
The MOBO award-winning saxophonist, band leader, composer and broadcaster will take up the role in January 2018.
Youth Music is a national charity, founded in 1999, to provide regular music-making opportunities for young people experiencing challenging circumstances who would otherwise miss out.
The charity invests in over 350 projects across the country, involving 75,000 young people every year. As well as helping young people develop musically, the charity’s projects also improve their personal and social skills, boosting educational and career prospects.
Brown said: ‘I’m passionate about making sure young people have the opportunity to make music in a way that’s right for them, particularly those who, through no fault of their own, face barriers to taking part. I’m committed to helping break down these barriers, and so I’m thrilled to be joining as chair of Youth Music.
‘I know from personal experience the positive and transformative benefits of music-making. I also see the pressing need to make sure that all young people facing challenges in their lives get whatever support they need to experience these benefits. Youth Music is totally focused on this mission and I share its goal of achieving a musically inclusive England.’
Matt Griffiths, Youth Music’s chief executive, added: ‘We can’t wait to start working with YolanDa. Her combination of skills, experience and, perhaps most of all, steely determination to make a difference are perfectly suited to what we need now from our new Chair. On behalf of the Youth Music team, warm congratulations to YolanDa from us all. We look forward to her starting in January.’
YolanDa succeeds Andy Parfitt, the current Chair of Youth Music, who stands down in December following five years in the role.
