I was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and grew up in Leicestershire. My parents were involved in theatre, so from an early age I was interested in performing. I used to sit up in the theatre lighting box and watch the rehearsals! I suppose I was bitten by the performing bug! I took acting lessons, but music quickly became my main interest. My mum is a pianist, so taking up an instrument was a natural step. I spent 4 years at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, before moving to New York to study at The Juilliard School in Manhattan.

I think being a true girl's girl made me choose the flute....The flute was so shiny and pretty, and easy to carry around! Also the sound - I think the flute is a such a soulful, natural instrument, very similar to the voice in that there is nothing between the breath and the sound production. I love the flute's history too - it's been around for ages!

There are so many things I love about performing with the orchestra. Feeling like part of a team is fantastic, and in a good concert, the atmosphere can be electric. It's so satisfying, and can be a very emotional journey too. I love the fact that a performance with the orchestra is unique every time. Even if you've played the same piece 4 nights in a row, someone will play a phrase slightly differently one night, and it inspires you to do that little bit extra.

In my spare time, I love travelling  and try and get away whenever I can. I have serious Manhattan withdrawal symptoms so love going back there, but also don't think you can beat a good walk followed by a cosy pub in the Lake District! I also enjoy jazz, cooking, shopping, and anything fashion related...but shoes are my main love! I have, er, rather a lot!

John Poulter Associate Principal PercussionI was born in Leamington Spa and moved to the Yorkshire Dales at a young age. I attended Richmond School which had an excellent music department. This coupled with my parents enthusiasm got me interested in music. After school I studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and decided to stay in Glasgow to freelance after my studies. I feel very lucky to have been given a job where I studied and freelanced.

My first instrument was flute, but I began to notice that the guys at the back of the orchestra seemed to be having a great deal more fun, so I asked for percussion lessons. It wasn't long before I got the bug for percussion, the sheer variety of my job is what makes it so interesting.  The best part of playing in an Orchestra for me is the buzz of the concerts. Experiencing a piece develop through rehearsal to a one-off performance in front of an audience where the entire orchestra raises its game is quite special.

In my spare time I play in a couple of modern music ensembles, teach and play a variety of sports. I particularly enjoy hill walking and fancy doing a bit of rock climbing.