Trustees
NYMAZ welcomes hearing from individuals interested in overseeing and contributing to the ongoing development of our vibrant charity, especially those with experience of campaigning on rural issues. If you are interested in finding out what becoming a Trustee of NYMAZ involves, please contact Sarah McWatt, Director, at sarah@nymaz.org.uk
Eleanor Gill- Chair
Eleanor is a music graduate from Edinburgh University and a Chartered Accountant, currently working as Finance Programme Manager at the Department for Education. She is an advanced pianist and active musician, responsible for setting up a community choir in her local area. Raised in North Yorkshire, Eleanor is committed to using her skills and experience to advance musical opportunities for children and young people in rural areas, both locally and nationally.
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Sarah Baumann
Sarah is the Chief Operating Officer for Brass Bands England and works in marketing and sales for a creative education firm. She is responsible for forging partnerships with local and national arts organisations and keeping abreast of arts-related policies. She was brought up in Lincolnshire, equipping her with first-hand experience of the challenges around rural isolation and accessibility to the arts.
Helen Dawson
Helen is a Private Client Solicitor and works for Brabners in Leeds. She grew up in Upper Wharfedale in North Yorkshire and so has experience of the advantages and limitations of growing up in a rural area. Helen is keen to use her legal skills and knowledge to help advance NYMAZ’s work, so that more children and communities across the county and wider country may benefit from music learning and experiences.
Rebecca Denniff
Rebecca is a Whitby folk singer, composer and musician who brings a wealth of experience as Artistic Director and Programme Manager at Flash Company Arts Ltd. She previously led the Exchange Choir at Caedmon College and is an early years specialist who has worked extensively with local schools. Rebecca has a deep understanding of NYMAZ’s work and its impact due to her long-standing involvement with the charity as a practitioner, partner and parent.
Sarah Beckett
Sarah is Associate Software Developer at Sky. Sarah has experience in several sectors including; funding, arts/heritage and education. Her expertise includes organisational development, grant making/fundraising, teaching & learning, relationship management and media relations. Sarah’s interests are life drawing, running and theatre.
Sophie Rudge
Sophie is a NYMAZ Young Trustee. A law graduate who currently works for Defra as a Project Manager, Sophie has always loved music. When she is not working or playing in a folk and a brass band, she is giving private trumpet and piano lessons. She is a former Musical Director of The University of York Big Band and has also served the Mayfield Junior Brass Band as Assistant Musical Director.
Jonathan Gregory
Jonathan is a Senior Accounting Technician for North Yorkshire County Council. He is a music lover and is strongly convinced of the power of music as a force for positive change in individual lives. He is keen to use his financial experience to assist NYMAZ in enabling young people across the region to develop their musical abilities and providing opportunities for participation in events. Jonathan is originally from North Lincolnshire and his interests include singing in a choir, walking and supporting Scunthorpe United.
Ben Lee
Ben is based in Leeds and has experience in journalism, producing, and fundraising. He currently works as a Fundraising Assistant at MAP Charity, after previously working for disability arts commissioning organisation Unlimited. He managed the record store The Vinyl Whistle, where he produced in-store events and gigs with local and national artists. This fed into his work as online deputy editor of music publication Jazz Revelations, dedicated to promoting the Leeds, UK and international jazz scenes with reviews, interviews, premieres and broadcasts since 2019. In May 2023, Ben released their first physical magazine ‘Jazz Revelations: Issue 1 - Leeds’ as editor-in-chief of the project. Ben has took part in NYMAZ projects, working at Rural fest 2022 and in different journalism PODs which have greatly supported his professional development.