Michelle James
I'm a violinist and singer and have been working in music education for about 30 years. A music graduate from Reading University, I've now moved back to Berkshire after a long time living in south-east London where I became a dedicated fan and season ticket holder of Crystal Palace Football Club. A passion for football is something I share with Jack, our Financial Controller. I also love being by the sea and am especially fond of Whitstable. At Sing Up I'm responsible for strategic direction and I do quite a lot of our marketing and comms work too.
Shelly Ambury
I'm a teacher, singer, vocal improviser, lover of music, design, books, colour, and watching dance. I’ve worked in music education for 30 years and creating access to high quality music education for all children is at the heart of what I aim to achieve daily. As Head of Learning and a Board member I contribute to the strategic direction of Sing Up and the creation of content to fulfil it. I love working with this unique, quirky, and collaborative team. New to veggie growing and loving it.
Tatjana Pahaluev
Originally from Germany, I have found a home in the lovely North East of England and in Sing Up over a decade ago. My work is mainly behind the scenes where I manage the web development, make sure our systems are running, and generally do my best to support everyone at Sing Up to do their job. Outside of work I am passionate about design, interiors and the outdoors. So on a weekend I will either be creating at home or putting on my walking boots to explore the fantastic UK countryside.
Beth Millett
A singer and one-time soprano saxophonist (bit rusty now though!), I've been working for Sing Up pretty much since the beginning. Now, I mainly look after the process of creating resources for the Song Bank and website – from commissioning writers, creatives, and musicians, to editing and preparing content to make it available. I really enjoy being part of our collaborative team here. Some of my favourite things include Autumn, travel, reading, quizzes and logic puzzles, hiking in the hills, and a piping hot cup of rooibos tea. I am not a fan of wet feet or slugs.
Jack Conaboy
I have 50+ years experience as an accountant, which obviously makes me 'mature' and also well suited for my role with Sing Up as the Financial Controller, a position I’ve held for 10 years. I’m a lover of football which kind of doesn’t exactly go together with being a Sunderland supporter, but there you go. I am also a keen DIYer and use this as my ‘relaxation’ from the rigors of sitting at my desk looking after the financial affairs of Sing Up. I am neither a musician nor a singer, I leave that to my superb colleagues. I do join in the singing at our staff get-togethers though and I love it.
Celi Barberia
A singer and music lover with a lifelong passion for the arts and education, I've been in music education for over 15 years. I've been with Sing Up since the very beginning and I’m now the Head of the Sing Up Foundation, Sing Up’s charitable arm, focussed on promoting singing for mental health and wellbeing. Outside of work, I'm a mum to two wonderful boys who I home educate and love exploring creativity, the arts and the great outdoors.
Baz Chapman
I’m a jack-of-all-trades musician, including singer, pianist, bassoonist, percussionist, arranger and occasional composer. I had the honour of being Programme Director of Sing Up when it was the Government’s National Singing Programme (2007-11), and since then have worked freelance as a consultant, facilitator and programme manager in arts and education, with an increasing focus on music for health. In 2022 my wife and I moved to the North of Scotland to be closer to the sea and mountains that we love, and we’ve started up a choir in our local village.
Sharon Durant
I've been involved in music all my life and in music education for nearly 30 years, but I started out as a Secondary school science teacher. So I also like numbers, logic and patterns. In my role in Sing Up, I work with Music Education Hubs and help our partners to support their young people in accessing high quality music education. Outside of Sing Up, I run several community choirs, sing in the a cappella quartet Mouthful and am trying to teach myself the saxophone. Oh and, the dogs and I like digging in the garden (although I feel I'm more productive at it than they are).
Jenny Lascelles
At Sing Up I have a lovely role working to produce exciting music content, both through project management and creative input. I'm also a singer-songwriter and pianist, and have released three albums so far. I have a strong background in music education, having worked as a Music Specialist in schools, a Music Leader supporting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and as a piano and singing tutor. I have a real passion for supporting young people and making music accessible for everyone. When not at the piano, I'm usually reading, dancing, taking a walk or drinking copious amounts of coffee.
William Howarth
A saxophonist, guitarist and compulsive singer, I began working for Sing Up in 2020. My role involves curating website content and creating audio and video resources. Outside of work, I play baritone sax in a wind band and bass guitar in a rock band. You can find my music on YouTube. I love hard-bop jazz, late Victorian architecture, watching competitive GeoGuessr and getting into theological discussions.
Khemi Shabazz
I’m an oboist and choir enthusiast based in Leeds who has been working for Sing Up as a Marketing Assistant since March 2023. I’m having a blast managing the social media, writing newsletters and assisting with the blog. When I’m not on Sing Up duties, I can be found exploring, singing, playing the oboe or using my digital skills to help other creatives.
Deborah Karoqe
With nearly 40 years’ office experience, I’ve been with Sing Up for over 10 years in our busy Finance Team and occasionally also support our lovely Customer Support Team. When not working, I always have my head in a book with music in the background (even when sleeping). My love of music goes back to being a baby with a diverse range of music as the soundtrack to life. I enjoy experimenting with holistic therapies and love photography, being inspired by the world around me, and hope to develop my photography skills.
Karolis Pilybas
I am usually the first person you would speak to when calling our main support line. Whether guidance is needed on Membership, or support with a general query, I am always here to help. With my foundation in performing arts, I am very passionate about fostering creative learning experiences, and I am dedicated to provide exceptional support to our Members, Friends, and anyone getting in touch with us to ensure needs are met with care.
