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Early Years Sounds Fun Project – 26/10/2009

The culmination of the Sounds Fun project saw a celebration concert for families and children at Eldene school on Monday 19^th October.

The Sounds Fun project was a joint partnership between Swindon Music Service, Swindon Borough Council Early Years team and Artsmad. Over a three month period Bill Roberts from Play It came to Swindon to deliver fun lively music sessions to children from Early Years Settings in Swindon. Singing, playing percussion instruments and listening to live music was all part of the fun and the children had a great music experience.

The concert was a chance to see Bill and his partner Vicky sing and perform live as well as some majestic performances from some of the children involved in the project.

Due to the success of the project Swindon Music Service will continue to support and give young pre school children a chance to be involved in music.

Under the project management of Paul Ashman, a Music Development Leader with the Music Service ‘First Steps' has been launched. Paul will be working closely with Lynn Hawkins who will be delivering the sessions around Swindon. Lynn will visit at least one setting every Friday morning to give a practical hands on session to the children. From this she will produce a report back to the setting on the session and how the various aspects were linked to EYFS requirements. In addition an Inset training day will be ran in January 2010 to give the teachers at the settings a chance to further their own music skills and take away new material to use.

Alongside this the Music Service will periodically send live musicians into the settings to continue to give the children a chance to witness live musical performances.

Rock School at NALGAO – 26/10/2009

Nalgao stands for ‘National Association of Local Government Arts Officers' and this year their annual conference was held in Swindon. The main part of the conference was a celebration event held on the evening of Thursday 8^th October 2009 at the Steam museum. This was a chance for Swindon to show off the many talents the youth of the town have. From dance to drama, singing to music it was all on display and the Swindon Young Musicians were heavily involved in the proceedings.

A great live performance by the Youth Concert Band was followed by a lively well received show from the Jazz Orchestra. In addition the Rock School was represented by the band ‘Guitar Stools and Cigarettes'. This band was the 2009 Battle of the band winners and the chance to perform at this event was another bonus of their competition win. They played in the main processional part of the event performing an acoustic rock song they had written specifically for the event. Blending a mix of youthful vocals, warm acoustic guitar chords and some delightful bass riffs the song put across the message of the whole event. After this they had the chance to play a 30 minute set of their own material to all the delegates in the main auditorium. Over 250 people witnessed a lively energetic performance from the band once again showing the talent on offer from the Swindon Music Service and Swindons Young Musicians.

All in all a great evening was had by all and the message showed strongly throughout, the Youth of Swindon is talented, enthusiastic and committed to all things within performing arts.

Jazz Orchestra @ NALGAO – 19/10/2009

On the 8^th October 2009, the Swindon Young Musicians Jazz Orchestra (SYMJO) played it's first ‘gig' of the academic year at STEAM, Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon. This was at the national conference for NALGAO (the National Association of Local Government Arts Officers).

We were invited to perform along with the Swindon Young Musicians (SYM) Senior Concert Band, Guitar Stools and Cigarettes from Rock School and other local dance, art, and theatre groups from the town - the main emphasis for the night being on youth!

It certainly was a different type of function from those we are used too as we were there to provide background music. The audience, in groups of around 70, kept disappearing off to look around the museum! But thank goodness they did return, especially when we played Chattanooga Choo Choo!

This was an ideal first gig as during the summer we lost two fine trumpet players. The first of which was Nathan Higgins, leaving us to attend Hull University studying Jazz. We also said goodbye to Simon Alexander, now attending Bath University studying Mathematics. The remainder of the trumpets took this change in their stride and did an excellent job in moving up a desk.

I was very impressed by the high standard that the whole band played to and we received many favourable comments from arts officers and council members alike!

Since directing SYMJO I have felt that we have required a vocalist to compliment the overall high output of the band. We have been looking for almost a year to find that person and I am very pleased to say we have found her and thus we have welcomed Carine Conway to SYM. She is a student at the Commonweal School and the band is very much looking forward to tackling some vocal numbers over the next term.

I could not sign off without thanking some special people who helped to pull all of this together. Jason Wrobel, who coaches the saxophones - a great asset to the team and a pleasure to see how easily he has slipped into this role! Watch this space for info on Jason and his musical career to date having risen through the ranks as an Army musician - some very interesting stories to follow!

I would also like to thank Ashley Pullen for his work with the rhythm section, last seen at the STEAM museum with a huge plate of curry! And last, but not least, Dougall Prophet who organized the gig.

Keep on blowing!!

Laurie.

Rock School Live Music Evening – 24/07/2009

On Tuesday 21st July the students from Swindon Music Service Rock School were treated to a real live treat of top quality music. In order to see what level of performance they need to achieve to make it in the big wide world they were given three majestic live performances.

First up was ex Rock School band The Dead Lay Waiting. Since leaving the guys have gone on to be signed by Rising Records on a five album deal. They have played festivals, done numerous gigs and recently recorded their debut album. Their blend of raw hardcore metal was a treat to listen to. Check them out at www.myspace.com/thedeadlaywaiting

Next up was another Rock School band, The Alfonz. These three lads have been together for three years and on stage showed passion, energy and entertainment. Their mix of pop/rock was a joy to listen to and they clearly enjoy what they do as this was evident on stage. They have recently played the Radio 1 Big Weekend Fringe and Glastonbury Festival. Having just signed a management deal with CLM Entertainment they are destined for big things. Check them out at www.myspace.com/thealfonz

Finally the stage was adorned with Beatbullyz who really were just amazing. Bully, Bozo, Chilli and Disco mix keys, vocals, drums, decks, MC and samples to create a tight fusion of Dance/Hip Hop/R and B and Rap. These guys have been together for years and great things await them. Recently they opened up the Sunday at the Radio 1 Big Weekend and have been recording at Maida Vale studios in London. They are soon to be playing at the Leeds Festival. Having signed with a management company these guys are a name to be reckoned with and I am sure will go on to huge things. Check them out at www.myspace.com/beatbullyz

All three bands were great entertainers and superb with the students. It was a super evening giving all the students a memorable music experience. Thank you to all three bands for giving their time to come and perform.

Let the Games Begin Win Award – 14/07/2009

On Thursday 8th July Swindon Rock School Band 'Let the Games Begin' made the journey north to play at the O2 Arena in Birmingham. This is a great top venue that has hosted many top bands in recent months. Now it was the turn of Let the Games Begin to grace the stage and allow their mix of trance, techno and metal reverberate around the venue. Their journey started back at the beginning of the year when they were entered in the Music For Youth Rock, Pop and Urban festival by Head of Rock School, Paul Ashman. The festival saw nearly 400 entries to the regional heats around the country. Having successfully made it through their heat in April they were invited to play in the final along with 13 other bands from all over the country. On the day there were some amazing performances covering all genre of music. When Let the Games Begin took to the stage there was a great sense of expectation due to their dramatic entry onto the stage before their explosive ten minute set began. They were very polished and professional and did themselves and the Rock School proud. At the end the judges delivered their verdicts of the performances and Let the Games Begin walked away with The Institute of Contemporary Music performance award for Rock, Pop & Urban Music. This was fully deserved for the endless hours of practice, hard work and commitment these boys have shown over the recent months. Seeing them up on stage receiving the award made me immensely proud that we have student like that involved in the Rock School.

Well done!

Paul Ashman, Head of Rock School

Battle of the Bands Winner – 14/07/2009

On Sunday 5th July once again the Swindon Music Service and Head of Rock School Paul Ashman joined forces with the Swindon Youth Service for the annual North Swindon Battle of the Bands. This year saw nearly 30 entries all bidding for a place in the six band final. After much listening to the entries the judges came up with six finalists.

The day started with a shower or two but soon cleared for some fine weather and some excellent performances from the bands. A wide range of music from metal to rock, indie to acoustic graced the stage. The age range was the widest yet with the youngest performer being 8 years old going up to the oldest being 17. After over three hours of fine music the judges came to their decision with the winners being Rock School band 'Guitar Stools and Cigarettes'. Blending a mixture of acoustic rock with beautiful harmonies they were worthy winners of the award and will now go on to headline the main stage at the Youth Festival in September. Once again it was a great day that involved many young bands from the area allowing them all to showcase their talents to a large audience.

Congratulations Guitars, Stools & Cigarettes

Paul Ashman, Head of Rock School

Paul talks about his trip to Gambia – 18/06/2009

Loving That African Beat!

The chance of working with an African drumming master was too much of an opportunity to resist, so Paul Ashman, a Music Development Leader with Swindon Music Service, didn't hesitate when offered the opportunity to set off for the Gambia for an experience of a lifetime.

Staying in Serrakanda, a large village not too far from the Gambian capital of Banjul, Paul was put through his paces with 4 solid hours a day of tuition in technique and rhythm until his hands ached, by top Gambian drumming teacher and performer Gibbie Camara.

"It was an amazing 8-day experience that gave me a real insight into African traditions and increased my passion for their particular music" says Paul, who accompanied Gibbie's band Youssou N'dur to various performances with singers and fire-eaters, delighting audiences wherever they went.

Accommodation was a simple room with lino flooring, a wooden bed and mosquito nets in the home of a friend of Gibbies in their family compound.

Cooking was over an outdoor fire providing a diet mainly of fish, rice and vegetables. The toilet was a hole in the ground.

When his time was over, Paul left behind all his clothes, mobile phone, books, notepads and magazines. Wearing only shirt, shorts and flip-flops and carrying three traditional drums (2 djembes and a djundjun) paid for by leaving behind his watch, he arrived at Gatwick to snow and ice.

Back in Swindon Paul finds children are fascinated by the film he shows and are excited to try their hand at the drums "This really brings classes alive" says Paul, who's plan now is to put new teaching materials together to form African drumming groups and start African drumming workshops. Dressed in tunics hand-made for him during his trip, he aims to create a totally different experience for music students in schools across the Borough.

As for the villagers back in the Gambia, Paul keeps in touch regularly by text and, as tariffs are 1p for 25 minutes talk time his new friends reciprocate. "The mobile phone I gave in return for the drums is proving to be one of the best deals I made".

Keep watching the website for the video of Pauls trip on Movie Maker!

Congratulations – 30/04/2009

Recently one of our Rock School Bands, 'Let the Games Begin' represented the Music Service and Swindon Young Musicians at the Music for Youth Compeittion regional round for rock and pop bands. This was held at The Asylum in Birmingham.

The band have been together for about two years and are a mix of raw techno, dance, trance and metal. They perform with huge amounts of energy and not only put on a great sounding show but a very visual performance.

As a result of the recent Birmingham competition they have been chosen as one of only fourteen bands from right across the country to go forward to the National Festival in July. This is being held at the O2 Arena in Birmingham and is one of the countries leading venues.

This is a huge opportunity for the band to showcase their talents to a much wider audience and is a credit to them for their continued effort and hard work. Credit must also go to Rock School for giving them this chance and in particular their lead tutor Mr Andy Wraight.

The Music Service wish the band all the very best for July. Come back to the website to find out how they got on.

Literature Festival & Radio 1 Big Weekend – 23/04/2009

Wharf Green in Swindon Town Centre on Bank Holiday Monday (4th May) will see a wealth of live music and dance from the youth of Swindon. Along with the launch of the Literature Festival the day promises to be a great entertaining way of starting the week leading up to the Radio 1 Big weekend at Lydiard Park. From 1pm we will see live performances from four of our Rock School Bands - Avolution, 17 Nations, Child of D and Let The Games Begin. Alongside this there will be numerous performances from Dancers, DJ's and street entertainers. This is a free event so what better way to come down and enjoy the Bank Holiday with all the family.

Sing Up Launch – 08/01/2009

Swindon Music Service is proud to be part of the Government‘s National Singing Programme, Sing Up. We have joined forces with Gloucester and Wiltshire Music Service to form a joint partnership. The Sing Up programme is a two-year project to develop children‘s vocal skills.

We are very pleased to announce the Swindon Launch of Sing Up of Wednesday 28th January 2009. This will be held at Lydiard House Conference Centre. There will be three leading trainers who will cover subjects such as Repertoire for Key Stage 1 and 2, Vocal Arranging for use with Children, Singing Steps plus much more. The event is free to anyone involved in singing with primary aged children whether in the community or at school.

For more information and an application form please click here.