artists

Sam Glazer

Posted on 29 November
Musician Sam Glazer has been working with Create since 2008.  Here, he tells us what inspired him to do community work, and what he loves about Create.

“I started playing the cello aged 9.  My grandfather had also played the cello, and I now play his old instrument.  At secondary school I joined two orchestras,  which was a fantastic experience for me. I was quite shy, the orchestra was really the first place where I was able to develop more confidence socially.

Sam Glazer

After University, I worked in arts admin for a bit before starting as a volunteer on some community music projects.  I loved it and soon realised that this was what I wanted to do.  Within a few months I’d quit my job to freelance as a musician. That was eight years ago and I haven’t once regretted my decision.

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Shalini Bhalla

Posted on
Create’s Indian dancer, Shalini Bhalla relishes opportunities to share dance with people who have little access to the arts.

Shalini grew up in Kenya, where she began dancing at just three years old.  Her mother had always wanted to dance but never had the opportunity, so she was quick to enrol her daughter in lessons.

Shalini started with Indian folk dancing and began learning the art of Bharata Natyam (a form of South Indian classical dance) aged twelve.  For her graduation performance, musicians were flown in from India to accompany her.  After her GCSEs, Shalini travelled to India to learn more about her craft.

Shalini Bhalla

Pursuit of a “formal education” meant that dance was put on the backburner for the next few years.  It was only when Shalini came to England to complete a Masters in Tourism and Education that she began taking dance to schools.

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Mike Poyser

Posted on 28 November
Professional musician and Create workshop leader, Mike Poyser, reflects on his passion for music and its power to transform.

“I started playing the tuba when I was 10 years old after a brass teacher came into school and asked if anyone fancied playing one.  I was enticed by the shiny brass and the incredible sound the instrument made.  I was allowed one because I was the biggest in the school!

Mike Poyser

I went on to a unique school called Wardle High where there were 500 brass players and six brass bands!  There I joined the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.  I then studied “Physics with studies in Musical Performance” at Imperial College and a Masters in Orchestral Performance at the Royal College of Music.  As a musician I have been lucky enough to play all over the world.  As a physicist, I have done very little!!

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