Jo Hensel BSc (Hons), GGSM (Hons), SFHEA

Biography

Jo fell in love with the sound of the French horn at the age of 11, having been a tenor horn player in her local brass band in Dorset since the age of 8, and the youngest member of her local choral society (by about 40 years). She went on to study horn and voice at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating with a first class degree and the Dove Memorial Prize in 1991. Jo has subsequently enjoyed a fulfilling musical career; touring, performing and recording with many of the UK’s and Europe’s leading orchestras and chamber ensembles including the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Ensemble Moderne, Composers Ensemble, BBC Symphony and Concert Orchestras. She has been a member of the horn section of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields since 1998, as well as playing an active role in the orchestra’s education and outreach work.

Whilst a member of the orchestra of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Jo studied for a BSc (Hons) in Psychology. She has since combined her passion for music and education in a career which includes work in prisons, schools, hospitals and many other community and corporate settings. Jo spent a formative four years as Head of Brass at Dean Close School and Director of Music at Dean Close Prep School, before taking up the position of Deputy Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in January 2011.