Our Team
Workshop Leaders
Rob Jones
Founder and Artistic Leader
A composer and saxophone player, Rob has been based in Birmingham since 2011 after studying at Birmingham Conservatoire. Rob leads music sessions alongside Music Director Reuben Penny and behind the scenes, he works to develop partnerships, acquire funding and arrange music. Rob is passionate about running sessions which are accessible to all musicians, no matter what their background.
Find out more about Rob on his website www.obski.com.
Photo - Hannah Blake-Fathers
Reuben Penny
Founder, Music Leader and Safeguarding Lead
Reuben is a composer and percussionist. An adopted “Brummie”, he studied at Birmingham Conservatoire and has worked as a music practitioner since his graduation in 2015.
As music director, it is his responsibility to arrange music and devise activities for the Misfits Music Groups. His main aim is to provide music that participants will enjoy and won’t find at other orchestras and music groups.
Photo - Hannah Blake-Fathers
Rodrigo Orquera
Capo Guitar Music Leader
An Argentinian composer, songwriter, guitarist, and writer, based in Birmingham since 2018. Rodrigo has a Degree in Musical Arts, and over 8 years of teaching experience, including a position at the National University of Arts (Buenos Aires). He is a supportive and passionate teacher, dedicated to inspire others to share his love for music.
Mariana Rosas
Misfits Choir Leader
Mariana Rosas is an Argentinian conductor based in the UK. She is currently Music Director of the Colla Voce Chamber Choir and Birmingham City Council Choir, Deputy Conductor of Crouch End Festival Chorus, and Choral Director at the City of London School for Girls. She also works regularly with Birmingham Opera Company, West Midlands Inclusive Choir, and the Royal Opera House in London.
We are currently transferring our services over to our new CIO, Misfits Music Foundation. You can find details of our new board of Trustees below, but Rob Jones, Reuben Penny and Iris Bertz currently remain as directors of the company.
trustees
Marley Starskey Butler
"Marley Starskey Butler is an Artist and Social Worker who is Birmingham based, raised by Wolverhampton, nurtured by Derby and born in Leeds."
Marley is our current Chair of Trustees and is our Trustee in charge of Safeguarding.
Photo - Amber Banks-Brumby
Beate Pesian
“Prior to moving to the UK with her family in 2004, Beate read law in Germany and has since been involved in projects with charitable organisations, Parent-Teacher-Associations and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. She is co-founder and director of Worksmith Ltd, an HR and Recruitment Consultancy, exploring and promoting new ways of working together.”
Abbie Smart
"Abbie is a Civil Engineer, where she gained skills in technical project delivery, working with a diverse team and helping to develop others. With a history in participating in community-based music groups, Abbie is passionate and enthusiastic about creating an inclusive and fun environment for all."
Nancy Evans
Nancy is Director of Learning & Participation for BCMG. She has worked there since 2000 creating opportunities for young people to compose, perform and listen to new music. She also has an MA in Community Music from the University of York.
Photo - Hannah Blake-Fathers
Advisors
Rosie Clements
Voluntary Development Consultant
Rosie Clements is a festival producer and composer based in Birmingham. She works regularly throughout the UK and across Europe with Festivals such as Flatpack Festival, Gaudeamus Muziekweek and Birmingham International Dance Festival. Rosie holds a first class degree in music composition from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Photo - Reuben Penny
Iris Bertz
Business and Partnerships Consultant
Trained as a visual artist, Iris has used her skills of creative thinking to develop workshops, training and people. She has a passion for making connections, seeing potential, making projects happen and building cross sector partnerships, nationally and internationally. She is proud to be part of Misfits Music and in awe of people playing instruments, but believes in the power of music being an avid dancer herself.