Legends of The Music Man Project!

For the past four years, the driving force behind my campaign for truly accessible music education and performance has been the Music Man Project Global Ambassadors. These remarkable musicians with learning disabilities have become international role models, demonstrating what becomes possible when a once‑overlooked community is finally given the platform, respect, and opportunity it deserves. Their leadership has helped reshape the landscape of accessible arts and culture, and today the United Kingdom stands as a global beacon for this transformative movement. In 2024, the Music Man Project Global Ambassadors received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, and I cannot think of a more deserving group of people.

But who are these Ambassadors, and what lies behind their extraordinary success? In this new blog, I introduce the individuals who inspire me every single day and reveal why they are ahead of their time.

Wendy “Woo” Wilson

Theme song: Any Dream Will Do

Wendy is one of our most famous and instantly recognisable Ambassadors. Affectionately known as Wendy “Woo”, she lights up every room she enters. Her captivating smile and infectious laugh win over audiences in seconds. She is particularly adored by celebrities -especially our patrons Michael Ball and Lee Mead, and our President, Dame Penny Mordaunt. Wendy is no stranger to the spotlight, regularly appearing in television interviews and at major public events.

Wendy shot to fame in 2019 when she appeared alongside two other Music Man Project students in the National Lottery’s 25th birthday TV advert, Three is the Magic Number, directed by Michael Gracey (the director of The Greatest Showman). She is still recognised in the street today, and she absolutely loves it!

Her reputation grew even more when she wore Lee Mead’s iconic Technicolour Dreamcoat from his West End run of Joseph. The magical moment inspired her personal theme, “Any Woo Will Do”, and she has embraced it ever since, often appearing in bright, multi‑coloured outfits.

In our much‑loved song High Low Middle, Wendy is famous for choosing a handsome partner to dance the tango with, giving rise to the now‑iconic phrase, “Wendy always gets her man”.

Wendy is also known for her kindness. She will always play Happy Birthday on her glockenspiel for your special day, often sending a recording to lift someone’s spirits or brighten their week.

Independent, kind, hard‑working, and endlessly joyful, Wendy is a shining example of everything The Music Man Project stands for. She is a true Ambassador in every sense of the word.

Graeme “Are You” Shaw

Theme song: Star Wars

Graeme is our most charming Ambassador, a natural flirt with an uncanny ability to win people over in seconds. Modelling himself on Joey from Friends, he’s often heard delivering his trademark “How you doing?” He also happily compares himself to Gary Barlow and James Bond, and his other favourite line, “Your eyes are like stars!”, is delivered with such sincerity that he somehow gets away with it every time! Within minutes, he’s told his new admirers all about The Music Man Project and our dreams for the future.

He also has a remarkable talent for acquiring freebies. Whether it’s merchandise from performances or souvenirs from events, Graeme has a knack for walking away with something special and a story to match.

Graeme’s star moment came at our Royal Albert Hall debut in 2019, when he strode onstage as a Jedi Knight. His line, “Stand back, let me at ’em!”, instantly became part of Music Man folklore. His love of classical music is well known too, although he once confessed that he only listens to it when he’s trying to go to the toilet, which made for an amusingly tense moment when Classic FM was playing on the minibus home from a concert.

Graeme loves helping people and will always volunteer to demonstrate instruments to less experienced players. He sleeps on long journeys, his jokes are famously terrible, and he still can’t fold a microphone stand, but he has a heart of pure gold.

Funny, generous, cheeky, and endlessly endearing, Graeme is a brilliant Ambassador for our charity and a joy to have in our Music Man family.

“Maestro” Daniel Cater

Theme song: Best Life

Daniel is our resident maestro conductor - a true showman with a baton. He has directed the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, the Band of the RAF, choirs, orchestras, and ensembles of every size. His conducting credits include the London Palladium, the Royal Albert Hall, and stages across the country and around the world.

Daniel’s most famous attribute, however, is his bottom - thanks to an unforgettable moment during our performance of the military march Blaze Away. His perfectly timed sideways hip‑thrust, landing exactly on a cymbal crash, never fails to send audiences into fits of laughter. In rehearsals he takes it even further, unleashing a full stage routine of comic movements to the music. You’ve truly never seen anything like it.

Behind the humour and showmanship lies extraordinary resilience. In 2020, Daniel witnessed the sudden passing of his dear father, who suffered a heart attack and fell down the stairs in front of him. With the support of his friends, family, and the Music Man community, Daniel found the strength to navigate his grief. He carries his father’s memory with him in everything he does, and he knows that his dad would be immensely proud of his global achievements.

Sam “I’m not getting involved” Hayter

Theme song: Everyone Deserves to be Happy

Sam is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Every year, she asks her family and friends to donate to The Music Man Project instead of buying her Easter eggs. She even saves the loose change she gets from buying her weekly TV magazine and donates that too. Unlike a few of our more theatrical Ambassadors (!), Sam is never prone to a diva moment. She is consistently happy, level‑headed, patient, and positive. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever heard her complain.

Like many of our students, certain phrases and mannerisms have become part of her legend. When surrounded by more temperamental friends in the middle of an argument, Sam will often declare, “I’m not getting involved!”, usually to great comic effect.

One of her most endearing moments came when the top of her beater flew off mid‑performance. Her reaction was priceless - a perfect blend of surprise, innocence, and humour that had everyone smiling.

Sam works incredibly hard on her singing and delivers the final lines of my song Have You Ever Stopped to Think alongside her friend Wendy. Those closing words - “This is who we are, who we want to be. When you find your purpose, you can turn the dark to light” - form a tear‑jerking finale to an emotional piece, and Sam embodies every ounce of its meaning.

I challenge anyone not to feel happier after watching Sam perform. She radiates kindness, joy, and authenticity - a true Ambassador of everything The Music Man Project stands for.

Dan “the Drummer” Camacho

Theme song: James Bond Theme

Dan is truly fundamental to the success of The Music Man Project. The reason is simple: he is an outstanding drummer.

Privately taught before joining us, Dan arrived with ready‑made skills at the drum kit. Even before The Music Man Project, he had already achieved something extraordinary - performing at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games. Since then, his musical journey has taken him to remarkable heights. He has played alongside the Royal Marines and the RAF, performed with Michael Ball and Lee Mead, appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, and even drummed live on television. He has performed across the UK and around the world. What a career!

Dan is particularly popular among professional drummers and percussionists - so much so that he has an entire shelf filled with drumsticks gifted to him by fellow musicians.

Away from the kit, Dan has a brilliant sense of humour, and many of his one‑liners have found their way into my musical scripts over the years. He is known for countless endearing idiosyncrasies - including his frequently descending trousers! This happens so often that we ring a hand bell to remind him to pull them up before everyone gets a full moon.

Dan is also famous for a delightful piece of family history: his great‑great‑grandmother invented Coronation Chicken - a little‑known fact that never fails to charm our audiences.

He is our most committed attender too, studying music with us for five hours a day, four days a week. He also does a mean Elvis impression.

But it’s at the drum kit where Dan is most at home. His work rate in workshops is phenomenal - he can play for hours without stopping. When we’re busking together, we’re in our shared happy place, communicating not with words but with pure music.

A funny, dedicated, and deeply loving drumming man - Dan is one of the beating hearts of The Music Man Project.

Chris “Love Shine a Light” Coates

Theme song: Love Shine a Light

Chris is one of the most capable and gifted individuals at The Music Man Project. A superb instrumentalist and one of our finest lead vocalists, he is best known for his show‑stopping rendition of the Katrina and the Waves classic Love Shine a Light. Chris has been singing this song for decades, but his most unforgettable performances have taken place at the Royal Albert Hall - first with the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army at their Christmas concert, and later in our own 2024 production accompanied by the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines. For that performance, we were joined by the song’s composer and guitarist, Kimberley Rew. What a moment that was!

The song also inspired one of Chris’s most iconic contributions to our performances: the famous Chris Wiggle — or “Cwiggle”, as it has affectionately become known. During the introduction to each verse, Chris wiggles back and forth perfectly in time with the music, cheered on by his fellow Ambassadors. It has become a beloved highlight of every show.

Chris is also an astonishing artist. His miniature models are works of extraordinary detail and imagination, and he regularly contributes artwork for our souvenir programmes and concert screen projections. His creativity knows no bounds.

Hugely talented, gentle, and endlessly hard‑working, Chris is a treasured Ambassador of The Music Man Project. Quite simply, we would be lost without him. Oh, and when he starts laughing... he can’t stop!

“Superstar” Sam Marsh

Theme song: William Tell Overture

The original Music Man Project in Southend has long been known as the most energetic - the fastest tempi, the boldest performances, and the most enthusiastic musicians. Much of that reputation is thanks to the performing powerhouse that is Sam Marsh. Whether she’s dancing for five hours straight, dropping into the splits, or swimming eighty lengths an hour, Sam is the closest thing you’ll ever find to a human Duracell bunny. Her energy is boundless.

As a lead singer, fabulous dancer, and spirited instrumentalist, Sam commands the stage. Audiences often say they simply can’t take their eyes off the girl with the ponytails. She is the Ambassador for live performance, and she absolutely knows how to put on a show.

Sam is also one of the most helpful and generous students I have ever taught. Whether volunteering at our children’s sessions, visiting schools, or supporting other adults, she has a remarkable gift for encouraging and motivating people. If another student refuses to get out of the car or an elderly gentleman says he won’t dance, we send in Superstar Sam Marsh!

Noone can resist her. I’ve seen frail old ladies doing the Can‑Can with Sam, nervous schoolchildren singing with Sam, and profoundly disabled adults with almost no movement in their wheelchairs smiling and laughing with Sam. She is, quite simply, our secret weapon.

At Speaker’s House, Sam persuaded Sir Lindsay Hoyle to dance Gangnam‑style. It was such a joyful moment that it was mentioned in the House of Commons the very next day.

And at 10 Downing Street, Sam and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak leaned in for a polite peck on the cheek. He went one way, she went the other… and they accidentally kissed. The room erupted in laughter, and Sam took it all in her stride.

Sam is my special helper. It defines her, motivates her, and brings out the very best in her.

“Father” Ian Jewell

Theme song: Any Church Hymn

Every group needs a Chaplain and at The Music Man Project, we have Father Ian! Although not a real vicar, Ian adores role‑play and dressing up (that’s a story for another day). He loves church hymns and traditions, and his hello song always begins with an intoned “Let us pray” followed by “The Lord be with you.” Visitors to our sessions are often bemused by antics like this at first, but within minutes they’re laughing, joining in, and feeling as though they’ve been part of our musical family forever.

Like all our Ambassadors, Ian is driven by a deep desire to please, to feel valued, and to be loved. He is helpful to a fault, misses absolutely nothing, and can recall what’s been said in an instant. His determination not to miss out on anything has led to some unforgettable moments that have become long‑running jokes. He has even been known to follow me into the toilet without my noticing, only to burst into Morning Has Broken at the urinals.

Ian is also famous for the vast amount of chocolate he stores away for himself, as if preparing for a new ice age. And if a drink is spilled or a row of drums collapses like dominos, Ian is usually nearby… prompting his fellow Ambassadors to shout, “It’s always Ian!”Never was this truer than the day I took him to the House of Commons. As we lined up for airport‑style security, surrounded by armed police officers, Ian proudly reached into his pocket and produced… his Swiss Army Knife! A major incident was narrowly avoided, but the verdict was the same as ever, "It’s always Ian!"

Ian is also our chief cymbal player. He polishes his instrument to perfection and wears special white gloves gifted to him by the Director of Music for the Royal Marines!

Away from The Music Man Project, Ian lives independently and has held down his job at Iceland Supermarket for an incredible 30 years - a testament to his reliability, dedication, and strength of character.

And back to the dressing up… every year Ian delights in donning a dress and appearing on stage as we sing Nine Ladies Dancing during our traditional performance of The Twelve Days of Christmas. It’s a highlight we all look forward to.

As Ian himself often says, “You’d miss me if I wasn’t here!”

Yes, Ian, we certainly would.

“DJ” Phil

Theme song: Anything by ABBA – purely to wind up Jenny!

“DJ” Phil is a hard‑working, generous and joyous musician whose professionalism shines through everything he does. True to his nickname, Phil is a wizard with music technology. Give him a mixing desk, an iPad, or any mysterious piece of gadgetry and he’s instantly in his element. At rehearsals and concerts, he works tirelessly to set up and pack away equipment with quiet dedication and a smile.

Phil is also a talented and respected DJ in his community, regularly providing the soundtrack for discos and celebrations for his friends. In fact, our Southend teaching sessions simply don’t finish until Phil has treated everyone to a mini‑disco!

Phil loves playing the gong too - which started when he struck one on stage at the London Palladium. His eyes light up when he sees one!

Over the years, Phil has blossomed into an excellent instrumentalist and all‑round performer. He carries himself with a rare combination of confidence and impeccable politeness. While others might balance their instruments precariously on a drum, Phil calmly fetches a table and constructs a fully organised musical workstation, complete with his own sound gear arranged with almost military precision. He’s a quick learner with an exceptional memory, one of the few people who genuinely knows where all the microphone leads and speaker cables go!

A defining moment in Phil’s journey came at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Canada. There, he proudly carried the Union Jack among the flags of dozens of nations, representing his country with a beaming smile. As he marched around the arena to the rousing sound of military bands and bagpipes, something shifted. Phil grew in stature, in confidence, and in pride. It was a moment of transformation and he’s never looked back.

Phil embodies the spirit of The Music Man Project: joyful, capable, reliable, and endlessly uplifting.

Clario “Nailed It” Alderton

Theme song: Sizanani Suite (Music Man Song)

Clario “Nailed It” Alderton is a true Music Man megastar, a vocalist whose reliability, accuracy and sheer musicality have made her one of the defining voices of our charity. As the lead singer of Music is Magic, she has performed across the UK and around the world, delivering solos alongside the Royal Marines, the RAF, and orchestras and ensembles of every size.

No matter the stage, no matter the pressure, Claire always, without fail, nails it. The nickname isn’t just affectionate; it’s a statement of fact.

Her consistency shone particularly brightly during our UK tour with the Royal Marines. While the rest of us buzzed with backstage nerves, Claire embodied poise and professionalism. I can be pacing the dressing room with nervous excitement, but Claire sits calmly, almost meditatively, preparing for the performance ahead. Her quiet focus sets the tone for everyone around her.

Claire has a boyfriend from Brighton called Joe Slowly. The phrase “Go slowly with Joe Slowly” has become a beloved Music Man refrain, shouted gleefully whenever Claire mentions him.

What makes Claire’s journey so remarkable is how far she has travelled personally as well as musically. Once a ‘shrinking violet’, she has blossomed into a global superstar of inclusive music - confident, happy and independent. She stands as a role model for future generations, proving that talent, hard work and belief can take you anywhere. I was delighted to present Claire with the Charles Culwick Memorial Shield at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019.

Claire is a shining example of what happens when opportunity meets courage.

“Strong Man” Alex Crane

Theme song: Rocky Theme

“Strong Man” Alex Crane is a powerhouse of The Music Man Project, a force of nature whose positivity, kindness and physical strength have made him an instant favourite with audiences. As one of our newest ambassadors, he proved his worth from the very first moment. His helpful nature, musical ability and unstoppable enthusiasm shine through in everything he does.

A dedicated gym‑goer, Alex is famously our strong man. He thinks nothing of lifting an entire drum kit on his own, stepping forward with a grin and an eagerness to help that never fades. His strength is impressive, but it’s his generosity of spirit that is most endearing.

Whether performing across the UK or travelling around the world, Alex brings boundless energy and unwavering commitment to the mission of our charity. He throws himself into every rehearsal, every performance and every opportunity to represent The Music Man Project with pride and purpose.

Along the way, Alex has formed wonderful friendships with the people he has met as an ambassador, including a dear friend from the Canadian Air Force and a Bandmaster from the Royal Marines, who he looks up to with deep admiration. These relationships reveal his warmth of personality and the respect he earns wherever he goes.

Alex also loves the Royal Family and the military. Performing for the King and meeting HRH The Princess Royal alongside the Royal Marines were nothing short of dreams come true. These moments meant the world to him, and he carries them with pride.

Like Phil, Alex was in his element at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo! He marched with his flag with dignified determination.

And then there was 10 Downing Street, where Alex jumped with such uncontainable joy that he very nearly collided with a priceless chandelier. The room erupted in laughter!

I would be nothing without these extraordinary musical performers. Their presence in my life is a gift I will cherish forever.