Charlie Fletcher is an experienced musician, teacher and arts professional who has taught in both formal and informal education settings. Before moving into the arts he had a successful career in business and IT. He has worked with 1000’s of young people and adults across Hampshire on a range of arts activities and delivered workshops across a range of disciplines from music to IT to curation. In 2007 Charlie became Mestre for the newly formed Big Noise Community Samba Band and also completed his Post Graduate course in World Music Studies ; spending time in The Gambia conducting fieldwork in local schools. In December 2007 Charlie and Amba founded the UVG with the aim of providing an opportunity for young people who had an interest in singing to come together and share their passion. 10 years on the UVG has expanded its activities and become one of the leading music charities for young people in the Portsmouth area.