Grant Thornton, in conjunction with the School of Popular Music, have launched a new project for aspiring musicians in secondary schools across Guernsey and Jersey.
This initiative will see States of Guernsey and States of Jersey secondary schools provided with sponsorship by Grant Thornton to supplement their existing music department budgets, allowing them to purchase extra equipment to continue to provide the best opportunities for Channel Island students.
The aim is to support the next generation of talented musicians by providing music departments with up-to-date music equipment, and support. Tutors from The School of Popular Music will provide a variety of musical support to the schools such as: song writing, composing, and recording.
Tyler Edmonds, SOPM Director said: ‘’We are thrilled to launch this initiative to support secondary school music departments in Guernsey and Jersey. Our goal is to provide even better facilities and opportunities for aspiring musicians to hone their craft and achieve their dreams. We believe that music is an essential part of education, and we want to provide students with the tools they need to succeed.
“We hope that this project will inspire a new generation of musicians in Guernsey and Jersey.”
Students under 18 years of age in Jersey and Guernsey will also have an opportunity to participate in a live concert, where professional sound and lighting will be provided to maximise performance. The hope is for students to continuously improve and practice their chosen instrument in the lead up to the gig. The competition will be called the Battle of the Bands in both islands sponsored by Grant Thornton Channel Islands.
Adam Budworth, Managing Director at Grant Thornton Channel Islands said: ‘’We firmly believe in giving back to the community and supporting the next generation in creative and extracurricular activities. We are delighted to be able to support such a great project.”
Ben Rhodes, Guernsey Director at Grant Thornton added: “We are excited to support the many aspiring and talented young musicians in Guernsey and Jersey, to give them the opportunity to learn from the professional musicians at SOPM, and to encourage them to pursue music either professionally or as a hobby.”
Pictured: Left to right – Piers Alexander, Nigel Arnett, Naomi Trepant, Charlotte Cooper, Matt Goffee-White, Louise McNamee
