Meet The Team

Meet the Team

Behind every rehearsal, concert and musical achievement is a dedicated team of talented musicians, experienced teachers and enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about inspiring the next generation.

At South Derbyshire Music Centre, our staff work together to create a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment where every young person can develop their musical skills, grow in confidence and make lasting friendships. Get to know the people who help make SDMC such a special place to learn, perform and belong.

To learn more about each member of out team click on their picture

Matt Pope. Head Of Centre

Music has been part of Matt Pope's life for as long as he can remember. He comes from a musical family — his father played trumpet — and Matt followed a similar path from an early age, starting out on piano before moving on to cornet and trumpet. Matt came up through South Derbyshire Music Centre himself, progressing to become Principal Cornet, and went on to play at county level with the Derbyshire County Youth Wind Band and County Orchestra. It was the start of a lifelong performing career. Since then Matt has played and continues to play across the country in everything from West End-style shows to full orchestras, bringing the same energy and commitment to every stage he's stood on. Alongside his performing, Matt spent twenty-five years running his own wind band — a testament to his dedication to ensemble music-making and to giving other musicians the same opportunities that shaped his own career. He worked as a brass teacher for Derbyshire, before returning to South Derbyshire Music Centre, initially as an ensemble director, progressing to Director of Music and Head of Band Development. He is now Head of Centre to lead it into its next chapter. That journey, from young cornet player to Head of Centre, has shaped a deep and personal belief: that music should be for everyone. Matt has previously been involved with organisations dedicated to making music accessible to children of all backgrounds, and that same ethos sits right at the heart of what South Derbyshire Music Centre stands for — whether a child's music-making means singing in a choir, playing in a band, or simply finding their own way.

Samantha Pope. Deputy Head of Centre

What I teach: Brass — I am part of the brass tuition team at SDMC, and can also turn my hand to trombone and piano if needed! What I’m involved in at SDMC: I lead Brass Club and Junior Band after I moved back and I’m proud to have helped restart our Brass Band alongside Mrs Pam King — it’s been a firm favourite of mine ever since. My musical journey: I started out on clarinet, until Mr King talked me into taking up the tenor horn so I could join South Derbyshire Youth Band. I was taught by Mr Eric Smith, a former Salvation Army cornet player who was already teaching my brother, Matthew. I had huge fun in SDYB, going on memorable trips and making friends I still have today. I later moved onto euphonium — purely out of necessity, when the band’s euphonium players left! My time at SDMC: I rejoined SDMC after moving back to the Midlands, starting with Brass Club, then moving into Junior Band, before helping bring the Brass Band back to life. Other musical activities: I also play euphonium with Gresley Colliery Brass Band. And many other musical groups. Musical highlights: I studied at the London College of Music, gaining a GLCM (Hons) and, in my second year, an LLCM. I went on to complete a PGCE at Southampton University, then taught in Portsmouth before moving to Exeter Cathedral School. Something fun to know: Despite being a brass player through and through, my singing voice is a tenor! 🤣

Rachel Patrick. SDMC Cooridinator.

Although I’m not a musician by profession, music has always been a part of my life! In my younger days, I played both brass and tuned percussion with the 1st Donisthorpe Scout Band, competing in numerous competitions, including the World Marching Band Championships. One of the highlights was the unforgettable experience of performing at Windsor Castle!

My journey with South Derbyshire Music Centre began 12 years ago as a parent helper, selling pick ’n’ mix in the tuck shop. A few years later, I became a parent helper with Junior Choir and have since supported several different ensembles before taking on the role of Supervisor. Having been part of SDMC for so many years, it’s lovely to see young musicians develop their skills, grow in confidence and enjoy being part of the musical community.

Cathrine Smith. Kinder Choir & Senior Woodwind Ensemble

I teach clarinet flute and saxophone for the Derbyshire Music Hub, delivering 1-2-1 and small group instrumental lessons, and classroom instrumental lessons. I also deliver a programme called Musical Gems, aimed at reception and early years children. Like most of the staff, my musical journey started at SDMC as a youngster, before I studied Classical Music Performance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, graduating in 2021, and have been a part of the SDMC team since then. I currently lead the Kinder Choir, and the senior woodwind groups on a Friday evening.

I am also a support artist for Inspire Youth Arts, working with young musicians with special needs to make music accessible using many music technology tools.

Outside of SDMC I do lots of performing! I am part of the Nottingham Symphonic Winds and Blackwood Clarinets, both Nottingham based, playing either Bb or Bass clarinet. I also regularly play with the Nottingham Symphony Orchestra as a dep. I also regularly play in pit bands for various theatres in the Midlands.

As a young musician I enjoyed choral singing, and was part of the CBSO Youth Chorus and the BBC Proms Youth Chorus for many years. In total, I performed at 8 BBC Proms events! I still enjoy singing today as a member of Cantabile, and I encourage all of my students to join a choir as it has many benefits to young musicians.

Clair Longland. Junior Choir & Club Band

I grew up in a musical family and knew from an early age I wanted to perform and then teach music when I was older.
I have played in various bands and regularly play in shows throughout the year.
I studied music at Huddersfield University and graduated in 2006. I started work with Derby and Derbyshire Music Partnership in September 2006 and a few years later started working at SDMC. I have sung with Cantabile the adult choir and worked with the bands, small ensembles and choirs. Currently I work with Club band and Junior choir.
I teach individual and small group lessons as well as whole class instrumental and singing projects.
In the summer months I enjoy playing crown green bowls and would say I’m quite competitive.

Anna Hill. Club Band

I am Head of Music in a secondary school. Instrumentally I have to teach most things at school but individually I teach recorder, singing, piano, saxophone, musicianship and theory.

I share the leadership of Club band with Clair.

I started the piano age 3 and since then have collected musical instruments; I like to be busy and have 5 grade 8 qualifications.

I have dipped in and out of SDMC for around 10 years now, initially as the area saxophone specialist.

I play oboe and cor anglais for Glebe Symphonic Wind Band.

I recently qualified as a SENCO because I am passionate about strong musical outcomes for all learners.

My most memorable musical experiences have evolved around my teaching; taking a junior choir to sing Handel’s Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall, former and current students performing lead roles in musicals, students overcoming difficulties in order to perform.

Josh Pope. Junior Band & Family Brass Band.

I am currently a 4th year cornet student studying musical performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Alongside my studies I am a part time peripatetic music teach for Walsall Music Service, where I teach a variety of 1-1 and small group brass lessons across multiple schools in walsall.

My musical journey started early on when I was 7 years old where I joined the South Derbyshire Music Centre Brass Club. Throughout my time at music centre I discovered my love for music and moved through and took part in as many different ensembles as I could. From Wind Bands to Jazz Bands and even choirs I filled my Tuesdays and Friday evenings with as much music as possible.

It was around this time I joined the Greasley Colliery Brass Band, where it became clear to me that brass bands were going to be a big part of my life. I went on to play principal cornet with the Ratby Mid Band, flugelhorn with the Sovereign Brass Band and now Principal Cornet with the Ratby Senior Band, as well as depping with some of the world famous brass bands such as Fodens Brass Band and Flowers.

My first experience conducting was at my secondary schools community band, the Ibstock Community Band. I then realised how much joy sharing and teaching music brought me. I took conducting modules with Dan Rosina, the RBC Orchestral Conducting tutor to develop my conducting technique. Some other modules that I really enjoyed taking were the musician as educator and further pedagogy modules, where I continue to develop my musical teaching skills.

I started conducting the SDMC Junior Band and Family Brass Band in September 2025, and have loved every minute of each rehearsal. Conducting at the South Derbyshire Music Centre continues to give me the opportunity to give back to the wonderful organisation I was part of when I was younger, it also allows me to give young musicians the best start to their musical journey like SDMC did for me all those years ago.

Our Trustees

South Derbyshire Music Centre is supported by a dedicated team of volunteer Trustees who oversee the charity’s governance, help shape its future and ensure we continue providing high-quality musical opportunities for young people across our community.

Ken Loukes – Chair. Lesley Holt – Vice Chair

Richard Davies. Susanna De Jongh

Andrea Hurst. Darren Patrick

Donna Reid. Kate Saxon

Colin Silvester. Cllr Stephen Taylor

Ensemble Support Team

Our Ensemble Support Team plays an important role in helping rehearsals and performances run smoothly. From supporting our conductors and assisting young musicians to helping with concerts and events, their enthusiasm and dedication make a real difference to the experience of everyone at South Derbyshire Music Centre.

A Davies. S Head

M Holt. P Holt

H Hurst. H Patrick

T Pendleton L Pepper

G Pope. M Saxon

E Smart. S Wesker