New leader for Bristol music initiative

Bristol Plays Music has made a new appointment.

Phil Castang joins from the Olympic borough of Newham and will head the team as Hub Leader, championing both formal and informal music education in the city.

Based at Colston Hall, Bristol Plays Music aims to ensure that every young person has access to music education activities and a platform for musical expression.

Phil sits on the Education Steering Group of London Symphony Orchestra’s On Track education project and has worked closely with the Barbican to set up the East London and City Culture Partnership.

Louise Mitchell, Chief Executive of Bristol Music Trust which runs Bristol Plays Music, comments: “Phil is an outstanding appointment to lead Bristol’s Music Education Hub.

“His track record includes working with some of the most challenging communities in London and making a real difference to the way in which young people learn about music.

“It’s a great marker for what we hope to achieve in Bristol: provide high quality music education for all.”

Phil comments: “Bristol has such a strong and creative music making community. We have an ambition to make Bristol the music making capital for children and young people and I can’t wait to start the journey.”