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The Westgate Rock School

Since the receipt of a grant of £5,000 the Westgate School have been putting together a Rock Academy for pupils running after school.

 

Much discussion has taken place. The school has considered in depth the type of opportunity on offer and the outcomes for students participating. Talking with local community members has been more related to how the school can interact with other bodies, most notably the Winnall Rock School. Westgate have also spent much time considering the academy venue, timings for the events and finding suitable staff.

 

So far:

1.   Westgate have purchased two full sets of equipment for students to play. This has included the amplifiers and all ancillary equipment as well as drums, guitars etc.

 

2.   Staffing has been the greatest problem. Finding experienced band players    who will be suitable role models for the youngsters. They have interviewed one suitable teacher for the academy and as a result he is running sessions on Mondays and Wednesday s from 3.30 until 4.30 each week. During these sessions he works with two beginner bands and one more advanced group.

 3.    Westgate are still seeking a second peripatetic teacher and hope to appoint one soon. In this case they will also be open on Tuesday and Thursday after school.

 

The future

The Rock Academy started in the middle of October, when auditions were held for all interested parties. Students were put into groups with others of similar abilities and given a time slot with one of the two teachers.

 

Westgate are aiming to have a contemporary music evening in which the groups can showcase their development at Easter in the school environment, although other outside venues such as the Arts Centre are under consideration.