The Courtyard Centre for Arts in Hereford shelters a wealth of expertise and industry within its hive-like enclave.

None more so than that of the Music Pool, a trio of professional, experienced music men whose aim is "to liberate the creative potential and improve the quality of life of people of all ages, abilities and financial means - in all parts of Herefordshire - through involvement in music and sound."

Public performance is a major aspect of the company's role and in such it acts on behalf of The Courtyard in organising live music events in its caf bar and foyer areas. It also works alongside Nightjar Music in bringing the best in World and Roots music to the county. The Courtyard has hosted a number of high profile music events over the past couple of years and it is these industrious three that have helped to make that happen.

Rob Strawson, director, has worked for 25 years as a performer, songwriter, teacher, promoter and workshop leader with people of all ages and abilities. He has a strong commitment to music as an essential part of the everyday life of everybody in the community. Blakes III fans will remember Rob from 15 years ago when he was performing regularly in the area.

Dennis Schiavon, administrator, is also a musician, singer, songwriter and actor who has toured, recorded and broadcast extensively.

Pete Thorogood (Youth Projects Co-ordinator) is a composer, writer, director and teacher - having worked extensively in music and theatre for over 20 years. He has written, or co-written over 150 shows with work ranging from the National Theatre to community arts projects.

Established 14 years ago, countless past company projects include three years' of organising and promoting the Hereford Summer Festival and Hereford City Carnival; regular school holiday arts playschemes for children and intensive songwriting sessions for adults with special needs.

From 1998-2001, The Music Pool ran 19 projects in secondary schools and 47 in primary with over 4000 pupils taking part in music, dance, song, theatre, visual arts and carnival.

More than 900 children in 60 Herefordshire pre-school groups participated too.

This comment from the Head Teacher at Blackmarston school, Sian Bailey highlights the response that each project is capable of evoking:

"Long after we had said goodbye to Black Umfolosi, we were all still singing, still dancing to the rhythms in our heads."

Black Umfolosi (pictured left and below) spent time with children from Leominster Junior School, Blackmarston and Haywood while in the county performing last Autumn.

These projects for the young are in addition to the opportunities the organisation creates for older musicians - run by professionals and giving a valuable insight (as well as a helping hand) into how the music industry ticks.

Events as diverse as Orcop Orchestra, Travellers' Music, Caf Unplugged (part of the New Roots Youth Music programme) and the start in April of monthly older people's arts days at The Courtyard keep the company fresh and forward-thinking.

To find out more, or to register yourself on the Herefordshire Music Directory that The Music Pool first published two years ago, contact 01432 278118 or check out the website www.musicpool.org.uk.

l The Music Pool is supported by Herefordshire Council, the Local Education Authority, West Midlands Arts, the National Foundation for Youth Music and the Regional Arts Lottery Programme.