Brian Finch
Following over four decades of public service in the Army and the Diplomatic Service, world-wide but mainly in the Far East, Brian has now settled in mid-Devon where he uses his extensive knowledge of the Chinese language as both a business consultant and translator, as well as volunteering for a number of charitable organisations.
Brian has always had a keen interest in classical music, mainly as a listener. He enjoys playing the piano for pleasure but has never reached any serious level of competence. Brian has great respect for talented musicians whose dedication and commitment take them to heights he can only dream of. He joined YMS to help encourage young talented players to reach their potential and spread the joy of music to listeners like himself.
Roger Durrant
My involvement with Young Musician Support began when my trombonist son was awarded YMS grants towards the cost of National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain courses. He greatly enjoyed and benefited from his membership of this prestigious orchestra and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music. Knowing what the learning of an instrument and love of music can do, I was happy to join the YMS committee when I retired from being a Mathematics teacher. I have always enjoyed listening to and making music, I was a founder member of the Kent Youth Orchestra and have sung with North Devon Choral Society for nearly 40 years.
Michael Downward
Michael’s life has been in education, teaching classics and with responsibilities in boarding at Loughborough Grammar Schools and then
headmaster of West Buckland School. I greatly enjoy music but have no proper knowledge or ability, but I am very aware how much music adds to young people’s success in education. Confidence, concentration and
co-operation are just three of the benefits. I have been closely involved with YMS since I retired in 1997.
Karen Hopper
Niki Kinkaid
