Sophie Holden - Programmes Co-ordinator

Sophie is a recent music graduate from Exeter University where she studied flute performance with Judith Hall and then with Lyn McClarin. During her university career, Sophie was heavily involved in the music scene. As well as being a member of the Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band, she also had the opportunity to perform a flute concerto with the University Chamber Orchestra, as well as being their leader on violin. During her time in the Chamber Orchestra she worked her way up through the committee from Stage Manager to Tour Manager and finally President. It was these various positions that made her want to go into Arts Administration and more particularly Orchestral Management as a career. The summer after graduation was spent volunteering at various music festivals and arts venues including Dartington International Summer School, Sidmouth Folk Festival and The Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton in order to gain relevant experience. In the following September she then worked for six months as a PR Assistant for the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth and was then lucky enough to be offered the job as part-time Administrator for South West Music School. Alongside this position she has also been an Intern for Dartington International Summer School, one of the most successful summer schools and festivals in the country. From this she has been made Production Manager; a three month post to cover the logistical organisation of the Summer School courses and concerts. In September 2008 Sophie intends to become the full time Administrator for South West Music School. She is honoured to have the opportunity to work with Lisa Tregale and assist in the development of such a prestigious organisation. Sophie continues to perform locally on both flute and violin but mainly in small-scale concerts. She is actively looking for more opportunities to play.