Operations Team Ninian Perry | CEO Ninian (he/him) is the CEO of Paragon Music. A founding member of Paragon, he is a passionate believer in the power of new music to help change people’s lives for the better. In 1990 he set up Paragon’s Music Programme and his work in schools and the wider community is regarded as one of the most successful models for bringing people together from all walks of life to create and perform new music. As a teacher, performer and director he has lead Paragon’s inclusive programmes. He studied at Dartington College of Arts, the Royal College of Music and York University. Contact Ninian at [email protected] Charlotte Riley Gibson | Creative Director Charlotte (she/her) helped to establish Paragon’s inclusive programmes and performance events, attracting participants, partners and audiences throughout Scotland. The close relationships she has nurtured with people at all levels of the organisation ensure that everyone involved with Paragon can enjoy our ethos of active, fun and inclusive participation in the arts. As a practitioner, she mentors individuals on our Groove programme and trains staff in Paragon’s inclusive arts practice and disability equality, having also completed her British Sign Language level 2. She now acts as Paragon’s Creative Director Contact Charlotte at [email protected] Laura Thomson | Programmes Manager Laura (she/her) manages our Groove mentoring programme as well as the multiple group workshops at Paragon. Her main passion in life is helping to make the music and dance performance world more inclusive and accessible. She believes the arts can be a tool for social justice and universal understanding.Laura is also a professional clarinetist who enjoys performing in diverse locations with her clarinet quartet, The Silver Keys, and other various chamber ensembles. Contact Laura at [email protected] Lucy Renwick | Partnerships and Development Manager (D&G)Lucy (she/her) has the glorious task of helping develop Dumfries & Galloway’s Resonate programme, to enable young people in even the most rural of settings to access opportunities to explore and express themselves through music and art. Lucy’s background is in both music (as a singer and composer) and social care; added to this her passion for inclusive access to the arts for all, she is an ideal match for this role. Contact Lucy at [email protected] Jodie Robertson | Admin Assistant (D&G) Jodie (she/her) supports Paragon's activities in Dumfries & Galloway. She books venues, delivery and technical staff ensuring everything is set up in the best way so that everyone who comes to our workshops can write, rehearse and perform their own music and dance!Jodie is also an active Paragon Practitioner who loves being able to make music with musicians all over the region of Dumfries and Galloway. Contact Jodie at: [email protected] Sam Kenyon | Strategy and Partnerships Manager Sam (he/him) manages Paragon's strategic partnerships and is head of communications; including press and marketing, and digital communications across Paragon's website and online platforms. He enjoys finding open and accessible ways to communicate Paragon's values and ethos, as well as the many different pathways people take with us. Sam has a background in visual art and cinema exhibition, and is passionate about the potential of new technologies to enrich our creativity and keep us connected. Contact Sam at [email protected] Lauren Smith | Programmes Administrator Lauren (she/her) provides administrative support for Paragon’s activities across Glasgow and the surrounding areas. As a current Paragon Practitioner, Lauren brings this perspective to her admin role, where she coordinates bookings for the Groove programme and supports with various operational tasks.Outside of her work with Paragon, Lauren is a freelance Music Therapist, driven by a passion for collaborative music-making and making music accessible for everyone. Contact Lauren at [email protected]