Tuesday 15th March saw the return of the highly successful Music Service Rock and Pop day, hosted at the Douglas Youth Arts Centre. The day aims to bring young musicians from across the island together for a workshop, focusing on skills required to be in a pop rock band.
The day begins with a performance by the staff, followed by a Q&A session. The students are then put into two bands and given the chance to rehearse together. They lead their own sessions with the teachers on hand to guide them. The students are working on communication, giving feedback and applying skills they have developed during their instrumental lessons.
Throughout the day there are opportunities for the students to develop the pieces by adding solos, dynamics or changing the arrangement completely.
The staff had the pleasure of seeing all the students work together in their bands and then perform to each other at the end of the day. Each band offered feedback to the performers and gave their thoughts about what they really liked about their version of the pieces.
This wasn’t the end of the day, as all the students return in the evening to perform as part of the Young Musicians Forum concert, showcasing their work to friends, family and other students who play other instruments, a highlight for them all.
Well done to everyone involved!
