Officials

Ashley first became involved in the festival in 2002 when he was asked to join a group performing in the festival, never having been involved in festivals before this.

He was impressed by the enthusiasm and talent of those taking part and this led him into closer involvement.

He gradually developed the website and online admin system, based on computer skills developed in later life, after a career in teaching and social work.

He plays various members of the recorder family, and regularly plays in the festival as a member of a recorder group.

Having been a solicitor in London and Hong Kong for a number of years Jo is now a Suzuki Method piano teacher in the South Hams.  

She has found herself involved in all kinds of music-making over the years including teaching piano and theory, playing in concerts (solo and duet), accompanying, musically directing amateur dramatic productions, playing the organ, leading a gospel choir, singing in a madrigal group and a barbershop quartet and playing double bass in a jazz trio.  

She has found involvement in the Festival to be interesting and fulfilling.

Ruth is a music teacher and freelance musician working in the Southwest. She teaches piano and clarinet to a range of ages and abilities, both at home and school. She enjoys preparing pupils for performances and exams, whilst encouraging a sense of fun and creativity in their music-making. She is excited about creating opportunities for young people to perform, especially in environments like the Devon Performing Arts Festival, where they will be built up and enthused for their musical journey.

Ruth studied music at Royal Holloway University of London, specialising in clarinet performance and composition. She also holds a PCGE in primary education from Exeter University, and a diploma in piano performance. Alongside teaching, she regularly performs solo piano in local concerts and recitals, as well as accompanying instrumentalists for performances and exams. 

Ann trained at Rose Bruford Training College of Speech and Drama and subsequently obtained a BA (Hons) from the Open University.

She and has taught Speech and Drama at various schools across Devon and has directed numerous Drama productions and Pantomimes over the years.

She has entered many pupils for festivals and has been involved with the Devon Performing Arts Festival for many years, being responsible for the Speech & Drama Section for over 20 years.