Tanya currently works on Wednesdays and Thursdays and has been the co-ordinator of SONIG Youth music Industry for the past 21 years.

She continues to be inspired in her role supporting the development of young people’s confidence and resilience through Music & the Creative Industries. With over 38 years of experience in music, alongside her work in SONIG, Tanya has many others roles within music which help to enhance her delivery as SONIG Co-ordinator. As a choir leader, she currently leads four choirs in Wales and is also a practising artist, singer-songwriter, composer and vocal & performance coach. Tanya has worked with well known artists as far afield as China on behalf of the PRS in the creation of new material, has showcased her own Arts Council of Wales album / performance ‘Breaking the Fearwall’ on the main stage at Hay Festival supporting Tim Minchin, and has performed her music at venues all over Wales.

tanya.l.walker-brown@rctcbc.gov.uk

Jessie joined the team in 2015 with a passion for developing Youth Arts projects due to her extensive involvement as a participant herself.

By being involved in community music projects Jessie learnt valuable music industry and recording skills, gained transferable life skills and identified her own aspirations to pursue a career in the creative industries.

Outside of this role Jessie is a singer/ song-writer, recording artist, music tutor and runs a successful business – a performing arts school for adults with learning difficulties. As a child Jessie entered ‘Stars in their Eyes Kids’ and also had 3 original songs accepted in the semi-finals of the ‘Junior Eurovision Competition’.

In 2016 Jessie entered ‘The X-Factor’ and got to the final 30 people out of 250 thousand competitors. She succeeded in getting to the final 100 artists while competing in ‘The Voice’. After achieving a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Popular Music her performing arts school won the RCT Council Community Awards in 2012.

Jessie continues to facilitate as a music tutor in the community and regularly performs in various venues in South Wales.

07385 396764

Jessica.E.Jenkins@rctcbc.gov.uk

Gemma joined the team in October 2023 with a passion for working in the community and developing relationships between residents, charities and organisations in Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Previously working in the charity sector; Gemma has taken the lead with large groups of volunteers from all backgrounds, emphasising the importance of working as a team and developing self-esteem and confidence in individuals. She is also an avid photographer and illustrator and has a keen interest in the Visual Arts – previously competing in Ystradyfodwg Art Competitions throughout her school life and later working as an Illustrator/Designer in her local Graphic Design Printers.

She looks forward to continually vitalising her skills in her new role - working towards supporting the community to flourish at a hyperlocal level and supporting programmes of community-led arts engagement activities where creativity and the arts are experienced on the communities’ terms.

Gemma.Dobbs@rctcbc.gov.uk