Nurture
Inspire
Grow
Developing talented musicians
and exceptional young people.
We provide inspirational musical experiences through weekly term-time rehearsals, regular concerts and performing opportunities, workshops and tours.
Both in and out of rehearsals, we offer a positive, supportive space where children and young people can grow in confidence, socialise with friends and step outside their comfort zone.
The beating heart
Music is at the heart of everything we do at SEDMC.
Playing in a group is one of the best things children and young people can do. Making music together helps young musicians improve faster on their instruments and gives them a wonderful outlet for creativity. It is also great for their mental health, builds confidence, and helps them make lifelong friends.
To help everyone get the most out of their music, we bring our best to every session. Our rehearsals are led by teachers who are also active, professional performers. No matter where they are on their musical journey, we make sure every member feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Alongside rehearsals, SEDMC provides a caring and inclusive space for friendships to blossom.
There’s an old-school youth club vibe as members use break-out areas and the tuck shop to socialise, form their own small ensembles or catch up on homework.
In line with our ethos of ‘nurture, inspire & grow’, the social aspect of SEDMC is just as important to us as the music. We’re a close-knit community and love seeing our members develop not only as musicians, but into amazing young people too.
Between
the
notes
Promoting
access to
music
We believe that every young person should have the opportunity to experience the incredible benefits of ensemble music-making.
As a charity, we provide affordable access to every member. Our membership fees are subsidised by funding from Arts Council England, Gift Aid and our own fundraising – allowing us to charge members just 45% of our running costs.
For families receiving Income Related Free School Meals, we provide access completely free of charge to ensure no young person misses out on the life-changing impact of music.
If you would like to give us a donation, you can donate via our SumUp account.
SEDMC Trust
South East Derbyshire Music Centre Trust (SEDMC Trust registered charity 1180960) is the registered charity that runs SEDMC.
Our Trustees volunteer their time to oversee the way the Music Centre runs. They are also responsible for deciding the future development of the centre to ensure South East Derbyshire Music Centre continues to provide a space for young people to make music in Amber Valley and Erewash.
Our Trustees have a responsibility in many areas including, finance, sponsorship & fundraising, developing & updating policies and making strategic decisions affecting the future of the centre.
Michaela Wright
Chair
Michaela is an NHS Speech & Language Therapist working with adults. She became involved with SEDMC when her daughter joined the Ripley Blowers.
Michaela enjoys singing as part of our Saturday Singers.
Jo Wakefield
Secretary
Her youngest daughter was a member of SEDMC for over five years, and absolutely loved playing in the various ensembles and taking part in the European Tour. The experience has been incredibly rewarding for her—musically, socially, and personally. Inspired by the impact it made, Jo became a trustee to help ensure this wonderful opportunity continues to be available to other young musicians.
Steven Hardy
Treasurer
Steven is a parent of two string players at the Centre, and a third now at university, who have benefited hugely from playing in various ensembles and received excellent guidance over many years. He works for a local university in a business development role and hopes to put this experience to good use for SEDMC.
Luke Stanley
Trustee
Having previously been chair for SEDMC, Luke returns to the trustees to ensure that the charity continues to inspire the next generation of musicians. Having not a single musical bone, Luke feels his skills are best placed in the governing of Centre, thinking of new ways to do things and ensuring that the Centre remains inclusive for all.
Philippa Seago
Trustee
Philippa is a teacher and writer and has a grade 3 in piano from a mere 30 years ago (not sure if that counts?). She has a son who plays euphonium in Street Band and Youth Wind Band, and a daughter who plays violin in Junior Strings and SEDJO as well as singing with Vocalise. She became a trustee at SEDMC because she has been hugely impressed with all that the music staff have done for her kids and she wants to try and support the Centre to keep having that positive impact on even more young people.
Phill Thornhill
Trustee
Phil is an active member of SEMDC and plays Saxophone in our orchestra. He’s our longest serving trustee.