Dwight Pile-Gray joins Music Education Islington
Dwight Pile-Gray will join Guildhall School's Music Education Islington team to develop orchestral and instrumental provision for Islington children and young people.
Dwight’s versatile career as performer, conductor and academic across several genres including orchestral, opera, chamber and solo performance has seen him working with professional and amateur musicians, children, young people and adults alike.
He has spent many years in the Royal Corps of Army Music in the Band of the Grenadier Guards and performed, toured and recorded with a variety of chamber ensembles and orchestras, including Chineke! Orchestra. His latest project is a collaboration in new ensemble the London Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, uniting a full symphony orchestra with an R&B band to perform 70’s & 80’s soul, funk and jazz music.
Dwight has many years’ experience in promoting music of all underrepresented groups on and off stage. For his most recent project he was awarded an AHRC/BBC Fellowship to explore the works of classical composers from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The outcome of his research informs performances by BBC Orchestras and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3.
In his new role as Orchestral and Instrumental Lead for Music Education Islington, Dwight will lead in collaboration with jazz pianist and composer Nikki Yeoh, to develop progression routes at two of MEI’s Music Centres for children and young people age 6 – 18. The Music Centres, based at Arts Media School Islington and City of London Academy Highbury Grove, offer a variety of classes and activities including instrumental lessons, ensembles, choir and composition. Children in need of financial support and live or attend school in Islington can access one of MEI’s bursaries.
Find out more about MEI’s music centres and sign up here.
