So the dust has cleared after a hugely successful Spring School which saw 93 young people join together at Southbank Centre to create a phenomenal show in just 8 days. We had 39 brand new young people and 54 members returning, representing 46 different schools, colleges and universities and ranging from ages 13-26 years old. We had brass players who have been playing for 1 year sitting next to young people who are currently studying at Guildhall and Trinity College of Music. 4 young people from Highshore Special Needs school joined the drum section, helped by our Trainees and their amazing music teacher who came with them every day. Our dancers were the “smiliest” year yet, with a sensational amount of teeth showing during the show, and a brand new set of costumes designed by Kinetika. And we succesfully filled our pan section with some seriously talented (and lovely) players thanks to tutor Marlon Hibbert recruiting from Kingsdale School and his band Endurance Steel Orchestra.
Mat and the team and Trainees created an eclectic selection of music celebrating London Sweet with tunes ranging from London is the Place for Me, Lord Kitchener to London Calling by the Clash.
The audience was full for the Finale show on Wednesday and we had some great feedback from them:
“Just wanted to say that was a fantastic concert at the QEH on Wednesday. Best ever. Inspirational! Keep up the great work!”, “Saw you all by accident on a cold and windy day on South Bank. The music made it feel like a sunny day though”
The young people also enjoyed themselves:
“In my own words: Spring School was an adventure that you couldn’t miss. If you did miss it you must regret it!”, “I enjoyed everything. I was welcomed almost instantly and its just so much fun and a really good way to spend holiday’s instead of lazing at home with your potential going to waste”, “This has made me a very happy person!”
Thanks Arts Council for funding this and to our partners Southbank Centre for hosting us!
Film to follow but in the meantime here are some images