Ed Harrisson: 2007 - Present

Born in Kent, Ed has been playing in orchestras since he was 8 and has completed a four year course at the Birmingham Conservatoire having conducted a concert of his own music with other students in his final year.

A fanfare he wrote in his second year is currently used for UCE graduation ceremonies and the Conservatoire Chamber Choir is performing one of his pieces in the new year.

His principal instrument is double bass but he also sings and plays piano. He joined the orchestra as assistant conductor in spring 2007.

Richard Commander: 1997 - Present

A keen musician, Richard has been the Musical Director of the orchestra since January 1998. Having two daughters and a son, he first became involved in the orchestra to support his eldest daughter, Harriet, but soon took control of the baton.

Richard now lives in Bridgenorth but remains committed to the orchestra, regularly commuting to Streetly to attend rehearsals. He also plays violin with Ludlow Orchestra and bass guitar with Alveley Village Band, directed by former NSYO conductor Iain Masson

Ian Myatt: 1992 - Present

Ian has been involved in the orchestra since November 1992, originally joining as principal percussionist. On graduating from Birmingham University in 1999 he took over as Chairman of the orchestra managing it in partnership with Richard Commander and a team of volunteers.

In his day job, Ian is an Executive Product Manager for the BBC based at the Mailbox in Birmingham city centre. He is also a DJ and a member of Satchel Blue and Big Jesse and His Fancy Band.

In December 2008 Ian was appointed as a Trustee of Performances Birmingham Ltd the Charitable Trust that manages and runs Town Hall and Symphony Hall, Birmingham. In his day job, he is an Executive Producer for the BBC

Click here to visit Ian's website.

Richard Tattam: 2004 - Present

Born in Great Barr, he started music at the age of 6 taking up the Recorder, moving onto clarinet and then finally onto bassoon, which is now his principal instrument.

In 2003, Richard entered the Birmingham Conservatoire on Bassoon and there learnt the basics of conducting and is now going into his final year.

Whilst being at the Conservatoire, Richard has done a lot of freelance work, particularly with Birmingham Choral Union, and more recently taking part in chamber music as part of the CBSO Igor Fest.