Meet The Team
Katy Ruta
Position: Founder & Managing Director
Categories: The Team
Katy Ruta is a Music Tutor, ensemble leader, and Founder and Director of Crofton Music Trust. She is also a mum to twin boys. Her background spans brass and strings teaching across the UK and internationally, with a strong focus on group music-making and inclusive learning.
Alongside her professional work, Katy is the parent of a profoundly disabled child. Living within complex care, hospital appointments, and systems not designed with inclusion in mind has shaped her perspective deeply. It revealed how many families are excluded from music opportunities, not through lack of interest or ability, but through cost, access, and inflexible structures.
Crofton Music Trust was born from a simple but powerful belief. Music should never be out of reach. Not because of disability. Not because of finances. Inclusion should be operational, not optional.
As Founder and Director, Katy leads the Trust’s vision, education, and delivery, focusing on removing barriers and redesigning how access works in practice. Her work centres on creating welcoming, supportive spaces where children and adults can learn, play, and grow at their own pace.
Because when inclusion is built properly, everyone benefits.
Katy Ruta
Founder & Managing Director
Katy Ruta is a Music Tutor, ensemble leader, and Founder and Director of Crofton Music Trust. She is also a mum to twin boys. Her background spans brass and strings teaching across the UK and internationally, with a strong focus on group music-making and inclusive learning. Alongside her professional work,...
Dan Jackson
Position: Conductor of Training Band
Categories: The Team
Dan brings over 15 years of experience in competitive brass banding, having performed with top UK bands including Carlton Main Frickley and Unite the Union. He’s played at prestigious events such as the British Open and the National Finals and brings that same passion and precision to his work with Crofton Training Band.
As Musical Director, Dan leads weekly rehearsals, selects repertoire, and supports player progression with care and musical insight. He draws on a wealth of lived banding experience, from solo contests to ensemble work and serves as both conductor and mentor for developing musicians.Dan also collaborates with Crofton Silver Band to create a clear progression pathway and plan exciting joint performance opportunities.
Dan Jackson
Conductor of Training Band
Dan brings over 15 years of experience in competitive brass banding, having performed with top UK bands including Carlton Main Frickley and Unite the Union. He’s played at prestigious events such as the British Open and the National Finals and brings that same passion and precision to his work with...
Eiry Allender
Position: Marketing, Events and Engagement Manager
Categories: The Team
Eiry holds a Master’s degree in Music and Management from the University of Leeds, where she researched how playing in community brass bands supports wellbeing and connection. With a deep-rooted passion for live music and a strong background in arts events, she leads on concerts, social media, and outreach for Crofton Music Trust. Eiry is also principal cornet of Crofton Silver Band and brings years of first-hand experience in banding and community music. She co-founded a Leeds-based music events platform and has worked across venues, festivals, and arts organisations, all with a focus on inclusion, access, and building community through music.
She is passionate about the charity’s vision to break down barriers in music education and is proud to be part of a team that centres inclusion and opportunity for all. With a growing focus on inclusive arts leadership, Eiry is committed to helping the charity expand its reach and impact across the community.
Eiry Allender
Marketing, Events and Engagement Manager
Eiry holds a Master’s degree in Music and Management from the University of Leeds, where she researched how playing in community brass bands supports wellbeing and connection. With a deep-rooted passion for live music and a strong background in arts events, she leads on concerts, social media, and outreach for...
Mary Golder MsC, GMBPS
Categories: The Team
Mary Golder MsC, GMBPS
Mary started playing trombone at 14 and went on to study music at Huddersfield. She decided to keep it as a hobby, playing in a number of different ensembles, from orchestras to pit bands, rhythm bands, brass bands wind bands and brass ensembles across the UK and Europe over the...
Andrew Brookes
Position: Conductor of Brass Roots
Categories: The Team
Andrew Brookes
Conductor of Brass Roots
Andy has been an integral part of the Crofton musical community for over 30 years, beginning his journey as a member of the Crofton Junior Band. Having experienced nearly every facet of the local music scene since then, he was delighted to accept the role of Trustee and conductor of...
We’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re interested in learning, supporting our work, or bringing music into your school, get in touch.




