Maria Caravanas. (P, N) LRAM GBSM. First came to the Summer School as a student in 1978. She then went to the Birmingham Conservatoire acquiring her singing qualifications in teaching and performing. She has sung professionally with the Ambrosian Chorus and with Opera Holland Park. She has performed solo recitals throughout the country. She believes "Singing is for everyone."

Phil Hargreaves. - (A, J, H) Phil is a saxophone player, based in Liverpool. Over the years he has played a wide range of music, but recently the main focus has been at the free/experimental end of the spectrum, much of which is showcased via his own music Website (www.whi-music.co.uk). He has performed at various venues and festivals in the UK. He once wrote a concerto for Evan Parker. Current projects include Graculus, a duo with classical guitarist Richard Harding and Malchamech and Ashground, both noise/improv trios of different stripes. He also plays in an African-influenced duo, Mojo Storm and is a current Vice President of the WMA.

Phil first came to the WMA summer school in 1989, as a recipient of the John Horrocks scholarship.

Marion Harper (G)    M.A folklore and Cultural Tradition. Singer. Started folk life by listening to LP’s of The Ian Campbell Folk Group and Peter, Paul & Mary. I then joined the Grey Cock Folk Club, Birmingham. One of the founder members of the Grey Cock was Charles Parker, BBC radio producer, who with Ewan McColl (singer, songwriter, writer and actor - and WMA member) and Peggy Seeger (singer/songwriter), created the Radio Ballads, a series of award-winning musical documentaries broadcast by the BBC in the 1960's

The work of Parker was a major influence on the members of the Grey Cock and it was as a direct result of this that my interest in folk song, particularly songs of social comment or political songs, came about.

In 2003/4, having been made redundant from my job, I took the opportunity to go to Sheffield University where I took an MA in Folklore and Cultural Tradition. My thesis for this was 'Poliical Song: Its role, Impact and the Motivations of those who Perform It', and I was fortunate enough to be able to use many of my connections in the folk world for my research -  particularly those performers renowned for their 'Political Songs' or songs of 'social comment'.

Today I not only sing and play folk music, but have got involved in choral singing. I am a member of Birmingham Choral Union, with whom I am performing major choral works, which I very much enjoy.

Rob Harper_ - (I) Cert. HE Music studies Birmingham UN. Grade 8 Trombone Trinity Guildhall. Played banjo, trombone, bass and sung in different Trad Jazz and New Orleans Bands around the Midlands for 15 years. Prior to this played in and led dance bands, pop and rock and roll groups, and worked in cabaret since the early 60's.

Dan Holding. Accompanist. Formerly a music student at Durham University; he composes and plays piano, flute, and cello. He is an 'old hand' in the WMA School. At the school he has won much praise as an accomplished accompanist.

David Martin – (E,F,M) Mus.B; BA; ATCL; Dip.Teach; etc. David is a composer, teacher, organist, singer and writer on music. In the last capacity he has been heard several times on Radios 3 and 4, and has had articles published in "Early Music" and the "Musical Times". But composing is his main activity, and his music is heard regularly in public concerts.

John Saunders – (B) He has taught brass for Dudley Borough taking their wind band to the Royal Albert Hall final of the Youth Proms, played trumpet for the BBC Midlands Band at Pebble Mill; worked in the London theatres, and on cruises on the QE2, etc. Mark Nightingale (a world class virtuoso trombonist) describes John as - MR EMBOUCHURE.

Jane Scott_ - (L,R) (BA (Music) UCW Aberystwyth and PGCE London University School of Education. Has taught all aspects of music including A-level to students of all ages and is widely experienced in directing both choral and staged performances. Conducts Birmingham Clarion Singers; one of the UK's longest-established socialist choirs.

Ron Tendler–(D,K,Q) LRAM Qualified music teacher with advanced Music Teachers' Diploma. Freelance violinist for 30 years, playing in orchestras including City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Guildford Philharmonic. Played in local Orchestras, including Thames Philharmonic and Surrey Mahler Orchestra. Worked in Education and was representative on Sir Simon Rattle's Music Education Committee with the National Advisory Council for Cultural and Creative Education. Ron is a peripatetic string teacher and has also directed an Area Youth Orchestra for the Borough of Richmond.