Soundhouse Trust
The Soundhouse Trust is made up of members who give their free time to help maintain the unique work of the Soundhouse.
Adrian Ballisat
Acting Chair/Secretary
Following education as a creative photographer and a subsequent period of freelance work, I began teaching photography and media within a specialist art and design college. For many years I have worked on both higher and further education programmes across a range of subject areas within the visual arts. More recently I have been part of the college senior management team with a responsibility across all sectors of the visual arts.
As a member of the British Institute of Professional Photography, Education and Training Committee I am involved with the support and development of national media qualifications at all levels. As well as being Chair of the Soundhouse Board I am also a member of the University of Plymouth Peninsula Arts Advisory Board and the Barefoot Trust. I have an active involvement with the Open College Network (OCNSW) as their Art and Design External Examiner for the region and as the chair of their Quality Committee.
Currently working as a freelance project manager developing partnership working between the various stakeholders involved in 14 – 19 education. This activity is primarily aimed at developing and testing various ways of engaging and retaining young people within all areas of education and training
Ann Beasley
Director
My name is Ann Beasley and I have been the Business Manager at Estover Community College since April 2002, a role which is demanding, challenging but still enjoyable! I've actually worked at the College since April 1990 in various roles - starting as a SIMS operator on a temporary one year contract and progressing to Senior Administration Officer and Office Manager. I also spent three or four years as Personal Assistant to the Principal, Graham Browne.
I have two sons, Gary who is 26 and Mike who is 23. Gary is a fully qualified linesman with Western Power Distribution and Mike has followed in his father’s footsteps and works for DML as a fabricator.
At College I am also an active members of ECCA (our version of the old Parent Teacher Association) and enjoy fund-raising with a small dedicated group of colleagues.
Simon Ible
Director
Simon Ible is Director of Music and Director of Peninsula Arts at the University of Plymouth where he also conducts the university orchestra, choral society and chamber choir. He is Co-Director of the Peninsula Arts Contemporary Music Festival. Other current posts include Artistic Director and Conductor of Ten Tors Orchestra and Festival Director of Tavistock Music & Arts Festival.
Simon has recently appeared as Guest Conductor of the Two Moors Festival Opera, Two Moors Festival Chorus, East Cornwall Bach Choir and Wells Festival Orchestra.
Simon’s experience has been in further and higher education, as a professional conductor, music promoter and arts administrator, arts marketing consultant and in events management.
Phil Spurr
Director
One of the founders of the Soundhouse Trust Phil Spurr has been involved in youth work and youth arts for the past 14 years. Originally an English teacher Phil was increasingly driven by a belief in the power of informal educational methods. This eventually led to a career jump to youth work.
As youth work manager at Estover Community College Phil recognised the power of music to engage young people in positive activity and to transform community perspectives. Working closely with Dave Perrett and the head of Community Education the Estover Percussion Project was launched. The formation of the first steel band west of Bath created a snowball effects and ensembles such as Weapons of Sound and Jam Samba soon followed.
The following years have seen the project become The Soundhouse Trust and the building of a £1.7 million home for ensembles progression course and events involving over 300 people per week
Amanda Buckley
Director
I've been involved in the Soundhouse since 2001, just shortly after I became a student at Estover Community College. I studied Music & Technology, then Sound Engineering during which time I was self employed as 'Bandwagon' - offering support to local bands and artists. In 2002 I took on the role as Community Arts Coordinator at the college, which presented lots of opportunities and challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed working with members of the community and meeting so many interesting people.
During this time I developed myself creatively and professionally, and after five years at the college, I now work freelance as an independent film maker. Amongst many things I lead The Estover Film Makers, an after school group based at the Soundhouse. The group is mixed age and ability but all work towards a common goal - making films!
The majority of film based work I do is centred around the development of young people, which leads into another role of mine. I am a mentor for The Prince's Trust, helping young people in the early stages of self-employment, by offering support and guidance.
It's being part of the team, whose fundamental interest is in the well being and self development of the younger generation, that keeps me involved and motivated within the Soundhouse family.