Mark is the founder of Old Chapel.

Mark was a customer of Park Side studios in Armley when they took over the Old Chapel in 1992. In 1994 he took it on while working for the job centre and still performing in bands like Red Lorry Yellow Lorry. It didn't take Mark long to realise something had to give and he made Old Chapel his full time job and cut back on the gigging. In 2007 he set up Leeds Music Trust as the Charity and Old Chapel Music became a CIC (Community Interest Company) allowing Old Chapel to grow further and give more to bands and musicians who needed support.

In 2021 Mark decided it was time to step back and hand Old Chapel over to someone who could keep it growing and who had the time and energy to invest in its future. Mark handed the running of the studios over to Katie and is now supporting her and the team from afar while doing more of what he loves, touring with bands!

Katie took over from Mark in 2021 with the promise to make his dreams of Old Chapel's Future come true, big promise and even bigger boots to fill.

Katie has over 14 years experience in the 3rd sector around Mental Health & Wellbeing, running projects and managing Volunteers. Prior to this she worked in the private sector in finance and student accommodation at Huddersfield University. Katie loves a challenge especially when it’s in the best interests of the community.

Katie is not an expert in the technology side of the business, but is learning. She says she is surrounded by a fantastic team of very knowledgeable staff who she values immensely and who are supporting her in this new role.

Katie loves music and many years ago she played piano, keyboard, clarinet & saxophone. You will only hear Katie singing if she’s in a karaoke bar and has had a few wines to drink first. Katie’s favourite thing to do is relaxing at a spa with her friend and a good book.

Joe joined Old Chapel's Board of Directors in 2021 after Katie's request for his expertise in supporting the growth of Old Chapel. He has helped to secure some very valuable funding like Leeds Community Foundation, to deliver the FREE Interactive Historical Music Tours and much more.

Joe has experience of the voluntary and statutory sectors having worked in the past for Leeds Young Persons Housing Trust, Leeds City Council, Homeless Link and Barca-Leeds where he currently works for 3 days per week and Cloth Cat for 2 days a week. His main experience is across homelessness and health & wellbeing, commissioning services, funding applications, partnership working and service development.

In his spare time he plays the piano with his band King&I at functions and charity events, he loves to play cricket and tries to keep healthy with yoga and walking. He loves listening to music of all types, especially live music at his favourite local Leeds venue Brudenell Social Club.

Manni is a Leeds born and bred musician with over 17 years of experience playing the drums, among other instruments, and over 14 years live performance experience. He started coming to The Old Chapel around 2010/2011 with his then band 'The Scandal' with which he was the first to play at the First Direct Arena in Leeds when it opened in 2013, as well as playing other notable venues such as the 02 Academy Leeds, The Cockpit, Brudenell Social Club, and the Main Stage at Bingley Music Live in 2012. Following his time at Leeds College of Music, of which he left with a BA (Hons) in Popular Music in 2016, Manni started working as the studio manager at Beat Street Studio in Meanwood, as well as leading Music therapy sessions at The Old Chapel and teaching the drums. In 2017 he was offered work as a studio supervisor at The Old Chapel and has been here ever since.

Manni now plays the drums in The Loose Cut, who played Reading and Leeds Festival in 2019 and tours the UK. As well as this he was the Leeds Centre (The Old Chapel) Coach for MAS Records and now coaches bands and facilitates the Brand your Band Programme from Kirklees College also based at The Old Chapel.

Manni is now opening a high tech Drum studio at Old Chapel where he will teach from as well as dry hire to fellow drummers. If you are interested in Drum lessons or want to enquire about the Brand your Band Programme, then get in touch with Manni. 

Jim has been at Old Chapel for 10+ years. After his last full time job did a stint as FOH, before coming to Old Chapel to help Mark out which then became a permanent position.

Jim has been playing bass since about 1980 and still plays for La Costa Rosa, recording and gigging.

If you need to know how something works, where it is or assistance with problem solving, the usual answer is “Ask Jim".