Former student takes up role with Academy of Music
THE Gloucestershire Academy of Music, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, has appointed one of its former students as the new executive director.
Richie Ashton-phillips, 40, who attended holiday courses and later tutored on jazz courses at GAM, was welcomed to the academy’s Barbican House base by today’s young musicians – along with principal Glyn Oxley and founder Caroline Lumsden.
He said: “I’m very excited to be joining GAM. I have benefited from the musical education they provide during my own formative years.
“It’s wonderful to be returning to GAM at a time where the organisation is poised to make huge leaps forward in the cultural services it provides.
“Alongside all of the incredible staff and trustees, I can’t wait to be an instrumental part in its growth over the coming years.”
GAM hopes to have completed the purchase of its city council-owned premises this summer, and the centre provides music for all age groups – from pre-school to adults, including a successful dementia choir.
Richie graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music with an honours degree in jazz studies and took up a post with Cardiff County and Vale of
Glamorgan Music Service as drums/ percussion teacher and was a regular performer with BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Welsh National Opera, The Welsh Jazz Composers Orchestra and Cwmaman Silver Institute Band.
He joined the Oxfordshire County Music Service as leader of drums and percussion and the Youth Jazz Ensembles and in 2011 became director of World Beats.
In Gloucestershire, he has hosted events for the city’s Blues Festival and Folk Trail, had a senior role with The Cheltenham Trust and hosts a show on the volunteer station Dean Radio.