Jo's first introduction to music was playing and conductions in
a classical youth orchestra from the age of 11 to 18.
Jo and Oliver first met at the infamous 'Monday Night Jam Session'
at the All Seasons (sadly no longer with us as a venue) in Bideford
many years ago.
Jo studied Music/French & Maths at North Devon College where Oliver
was also studying. They remained in contact during the subsequent
years and when Oliver required a violinist for the '3 Ages of
Magick' Jo was his first choice.
Jo read Classical Music at Birmingham University during the years
1991 to 1994 and graduated with a BMus (Hons). She followed this
with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education for 7-12 year olds.
Upon completing these courses she returned to the West Country
where she embarked upon her teaching career, specialising in music.
Most of her teaching has involved schools in the Devon area although
a period was spent supply-teaching in Bristol which she does not
remember too favourably!
In 1997 Jo was so inspired by performers at the Shetland Folk
Festival that she felt she had to experience for herself the joy
of performing live. Upon returning from the festival, Jo sought
out musicians who shared her love of folk music and they then
began an intense gigging schedule.
Jo is currently teaching all subjects on the national curriculum
to a class of 7 - 9 year olds and finds this work extremely rewarding.
She uses Oliver's 'Heaven's Isle' as a teaching aid during classes.
She is also works to inspire children to realise their musical
potential through singing, African drumming and improvisation
on various instruments
Jo has played with various bands (Sacred Turf, K-Passa and others)
and now gigs in the Devon area with the band 'Company of Fools'.
Jo is currently working on original material with the 'roots'
band 'Organic' which will hopefully be available towards the end
of the year.
Jo still enjoys playing and listening to classical music but her
preference is now towards folk-rock and jazz, styles which made
her a perfect choice for 'The 3 Ages of Magick'
|
.jpg){kind=small}