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Core Team
Meet the Team
Dr Jo Yee Cheung
Chief Executive
Jo is a British pianist and music educator based in vibrant Manchester. Born and raised in Sheffield, Jo began playing the piano at the age of 6, and greatly benefitted from the dedication and mentorship of her music teachers as a child and young adult. After graduating from Cambridge University in 2014 with a BA in Music, Jo undertook an MMus degree and Advanced PGDip in Piano Performance at the RNCM in Manchester supported by a scholarship. Jo also holds a PhD in Music Education and Music Psychology from the RNCM, where she researched the role of parents in children's musical development.
As Chief Exec, Jo oversees the charity's strategy and fundraising, as well as partnership building with schools and other arts organisations to develop exciting opportunities for OMF children and families. Jo is also a Trustee of the UNESCO Manchester City of Literature. When she isn't teaching or writing funding applications, Jo enjoys travelling to unusual places and hanging out with her cat, Atticus.
Jo is a British pianist and music educator based in vibrant Manchester. Born and raised in Sheffield, Jo began playing the piano at the age of 6, and greatly benefitted from the dedication and mentorship of her music teachers as a child and young adult. After graduating from Cambridge University in 2014 with a BA in Music, Jo undertook an MMus degree and Advanced PGDip in Piano Performance at the RNCM in Manchester supported by a scholarship. Jo also holds a PhD in Music Education and Music Psychology from the RNCM, where she researched the role of parents in children's musical development.
As Chief Exec, Jo oversees the charity's strategy and fundraising, as well as partnership building with schools and other arts organisations to develop exciting opportunities for OMF children and families. Jo is also a Trustee of the UNESCO Manchester City of Literature. When she isn't teaching or writing funding applications, Jo enjoys travelling to unusual places and hanging out with her cat, Atticus.
Sam Parry
Programmes Manager
I am Sam, the Programmes Manager. I look after the people we interact with on a day to day basis - freelancers, families, and most importantly, the young people we teach, writing timetables and organising events, both internal and with external partners. My favourite piece of music is Rage Against the Machine's self titled album - perfection.
I am Sam, the Programmes Manager. I look after the people we interact with on a day to day basis - freelancers, families, and most importantly, the young people we teach, writing timetables and organising events, both internal and with external partners. My favourite piece of music is Rage Against the Machine's self titled album - perfection.
Anna Kerr
Development Director
I’m Anna and I am responsible for overseeing all fundraising and marketing activity to ensure a sustainable future for Olympias. A typical day for me can involve anything from looking after valued donors, funders, and working with corporate partners - to bid writing, running campaigns and appeals, or organising fundraising events! My favourite part of the role is developing creative partnerships, and the Christmas Concert is a particular highlight to see our amazing young people perform and grow in confidence.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy expressing my creativity through singing and music composition, but my greatest joy is spending time with my toddler!
I’m Anna and I am responsible for overseeing all fundraising and marketing activity to ensure a sustainable future for Olympias. A typical day for me can involve anything from looking after valued donors, funders, and working with corporate partners - to bid writing, running campaigns and appeals, or organising fundraising events! My favourite part of the role is developing creative partnerships, and the Christmas Concert is a particular highlight to see our amazing young people perform and grow in confidence.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy expressing my creativity through singing and music composition, but my greatest joy is spending time with my toddler!
Sarah Ampil
Finance Coordinator
Hello, Sarah here - I’m the Development and Finance Manager for Olympias. Between monitoring and reporting on our income and spending, and supporting with community fundraising, donor stewardship and bid writing, my week can be quite varied but I love seeing it come together every time our young musicians pick up their instruments or find their voice.
Out of the office, you can find me donning the viking horns as an operatic soprano, devising and producing for Lights On Theatre or belting out Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” while doing the dishes.
Hello, Sarah here - I’m the Development and Finance Manager for Olympias. Between monitoring and reporting on our income and spending, and supporting with community fundraising, donor stewardship and bid writing, my week can be quite varied but I love seeing it come together every time our young musicians pick up their instruments or find their voice.
Out of the office, you can find me donning the viking horns as an operatic soprano, devising and producing for Lights On Theatre or belting out Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” while doing the dishes.
Tamsin Sandford Smith
Programmes & Finance Coordinator
Hello, I'm Tamsin, and I'm the Programmes & Finance Co-ordinator for Olympias. My job involves making sure that all our teachers, students and instruments are in the right place at the right time… and that there are always enough biscuits to go around! I work with Sam to liase with our many partners and organise programmes events, and help Sarah to keep an eye on the charity finances.
When I'm not at work, I'm regularly spotted in the RNCM café (where I'm studying classical singing) or braving the Manchester weather on my bike!
Hello, I'm Tamsin, and I'm the Programmes & Finance Co-ordinator for Olympias. My job involves making sure that all our teachers, students and instruments are in the right place at the right time… and that there are always enough biscuits to go around! I work with Sam to liase with our many partners and organise programmes events, and help Sarah to keep an eye on the charity finances.
When I'm not at work, I'm regularly spotted in the RNCM café (where I'm studying classical singing) or braving the Manchester weather on my bike!
Facilitators
Instrumental Specialists
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