As a department we have two main aims:
- To develop young people's appreciation of and participation in popular music of all types.
- To increase access to the means of music making both inside and outside CMS traditional schools bases.
What we do
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The Rock and Pop Institute
This is our top level of activity. 15 young musicians are selected by audition to make up two bands and a technical crew that represent the county at gigs throughout Warwickshire and further afield. One band plays classic rock and Indie covers, the other develops original material, the technical crew supports them both. Membership of the bands and crew rotates at each gig so everyone gets the chance to perform in every discipline. Gigs have included a fantastic appearance at the NEC as part of the National Rock and Pop Festival 2008.
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Gigzones
These are weekly band coaching sessions designed to prepare young bands for gigs. We work on rhythm section, guitars and vocals to get the very best from all our young performers. We currently run two Gigzones, one in Rugby, one in Warwick but we are looking to expand. Do you know of a young band based in either the north or the south of the county who would benefit from a Gigzone?
Band Clubs
Like Gigzones but placed in specific schools for their bands only.
Youth Club Sessions
These can be on anything, DJ skills, band coaching, computer music: beats, rapping etc, Soundbeam (invisible keyboards!) or anything relevant to your youth club. |
Teaching support
We support schools in their delivery of GCSE and A Level Music and Music Technology. This can mean planning and taking lessons or supporting schools staff with the technical aspects of their own delivery. We also assist with the recording of coursework and the compilation and duplication of exam submissions. We work with the Warwickshire Pupil Reintegration Unit, delivering music based activities tailored to their specific needs. | |
Nursery activities
We work with several nurseries in the county using Soundbeams and computers to give pre-school children experience of making and controlling sounds whilst learning the rudiments of pitch and musical texture. |
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Technical support
We advise schools on the acquisition and installation of music based computer hardware and software.
Special Projects
We apply for funds jointly with other bodies to enable special projects to take place. Thanks to one successful application we have been able to support the Camp Hill Education, Sports and Social centre with the setting up and maintenance of their recording studio as well as delivering on site training for staff and users of the centre. |
We often work with both primary and secondary schools on one-off projects using computers and music to produce work that the school couldn’t have attempted on their own. We recently worked with Studley High and Aylesford Schools on a joint project with the RSC exploring dramatic themes from Shakespeare through music. We have worked with several primaries as part of arts days or festivals where we have developed and recorded performance pieces and we’re open to suggestions from all schools for projects of their own.
Costs
- As a guide for special projects, youth club projects or band clubs (costs vary depending on equipment and consumables required) base estimates on £40/hr.
- Technical support is currently £31.50/hr
- Teaching and/or teaching support is at the usual CMS rate
- Membership of the Rock and Pop Institute is £90 for the year (2009-10)
- Gigzones are currently free.
Staff
We have 2 hard working staff, Head of Department Mike Roberts and Jon Rothenberg both experienced performers and educators.
Contact us
If you need help with, or would like to discuss, bands, computer music, DJ skills, sound recording or anything related please give Mike a call on 07855 544685. |
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