Values
Our values guide the way we work. They act as a reminder of what matters to us as an organisation.
We revisited them in 2020, in consultation with young musicians, our staff team and trustees.
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They are:
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Influence - We work alongside young disabled musicians to challenge preconceptions and influence change
Diversity - We bring about greater diversity by driving musical inclusion and disabled representation
Creativity - We engage audiences through exciting music, made and shared in creative ways
Community - We support communities of individuals and organisations to make positive change happen
Team
Alison Maxhuni (she/her)
Head of Fundraising
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Alison has a background in arts and heritage charities and not-for-profits, most recently as a fundraiser.
Barry Farrimond-Chuong MBE (he/him)
CEO
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Barry has a wealth of experience developing, strengthening and leading social enterprise and third-sector arts organisations and is respected as an authority on accessible music technology.
Bea Hubble (she/her)
Programme Manager
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Bea has worked across the charity sector focusing on inclusion and accessibility within music education. She delivers and presents large-scale, interactive projects designed with youth voice at the heart. As a classically trained oboist, Bea enjoys performing in concerts that bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary audiences.
Dan Brashaw (he/him)
Marketing and Communications Officer
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Dan has worked in the music technology industry for most of his career. He’s worked on content, marketing and PR campaigns for some of the leading brands in the sector, and is excited to use his expertise to support the impactful work of Open Up Music.
Demi Delaperelle (she/her)
Programme Officer
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Demi is an experienced SEND teacher within the public sector. She has also worked for disability-focused education charities. She loves organisation, administration and planning; and has a passion for inclusivity within the arts sector and beyond.
Elio Wilson (he/they)
Pastoral Support Officer
Elio is a musician with a background in youth work. He has previously developed and led the SEND youth provision for a charity. Since graduating in the summer of 2024 with a BA in Music, he has been immersing himself in inclusive music education and community music practice. In his spare time, Elio is also a multimedia artist specialising in avant-garde music/performance art.
Evie Sherry-Starmer (they/them)
Executive Assistant​
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Evie worked in higher education before joining the third sector. They have a wide range of experience including supporting boards, executive teams and disabled artists. Evie has a personal interest in inclusive community arts projects - particularly contemporary dance. They are also a DIY punk musician!
Gabriel Herzog (he/they)
Fundraising Officer​
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Gabriel has worked in many different teams, most recently in theatre in London and at home in the USA. As a disabled artist himself, Gabriel is passionate about inclusivity in all art forms, and is excited to use their skills to support the fundraising team.
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Helen Stevens (she/her)
Head of Operations
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Helen's background is in the not-for-profit and public sector, working across fundraising, event management, volunteer management and operations for some of the UK’s leading education and health charities.
Julia Le (she/her)
Head of Marketing and Communications
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Julia has worked on building brands and developing markets in France, the UK and New Zealand - both as a consultant and in-house. Her experience covers a variety of sectors from consumer goods to finance through to social enterprise and the arts.
Jonathan Westrup (he/him)
Programme Manager
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Jonathan's experience working with young disabled people is in music education. He has played a key role in developing accessible accreditation opportunities in music and worked extensively as a trainer and mentor for musicians and teachers in school settings.
KP Petmezas (she/her)
Music and Technology Officer
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Katerina is an experienced audio engineer and live events technician, having previously worked in theatre and sound technology for most of her career. She is also a classically trained musician with a passion for the arts and inclusive music making, and enjoys being able to combine these aspects creatively to support the important work of Open Up Music.