February Residential 2011

The February residential, held at Dartington Hall, Totnes, looked at words and music and the relationship between them.  Tutors Stuart Silver, Pencil Stringhorn Project and Ana Silvera led the students on an adventure of words and music.  It was about inviting words into their music and music into their words and being inspired by Rabindranath Tagore as part of the Tagore festival.

This weekend looked at the big questions such as - Who am I? And more importantly, who is Rabindranath Tagore and what could we possibly have in common? How can I use language creatively and create word/music performances that genuinely speak to an audience?  What are the dramatic and personal possibilities of spoken word and what could it mean to me as a musician?  Am I alone in life?  What will be my biggest inspiration in 10 years time?  How can I be wise beyond my years?

Many of the students already use words in their music but many do not.  This weekend was about sharing approaches and techniques as a group.  This was done through a variety of ways including list poems, well known pop songs and fairy tales.

I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend - the tutors were really nice and friendly, and the way we set about work was interactive and fun. The group work we did was amazing - it's so great to be able to compose music with other really talented musicians who work in different styles from you, going somewhere together where you couldn't go by yourself. I was also really interested to find out about taking inspiration from other songs - being made to take aspects from famous songs and make your own material was great - I'm sure I'll do that again! There'd be nothing I would change about the residential - it was fantastic! SWMS student

I really enjoyed this residential.  It met all of my expectations and more, and has encouraged me to write more music.  The tutors were really friendly and supportive, and created a relaxed environment. SWMS student

The culmination of the weekend was in the most phenomenal concert so far.  The best way to describe it is to allow the audience to speak for itself:

The concert was by the Southwest music school students on Sunday was wonderful.  You all as teachers and pupils have excelled yourselves once again.

Over the three years that we have been involved with the school we never cease to be amazed at what is taught and achieved at every residential.  Each time we are astounded at the creativity and excellence that is demonstrated and yet each term this seems to be surpassed and this time was no exception.

The subjects taught have been constantly challenging and the tutors that you use seem to me to be of the highest calibre.

What these young people learned and expressed this weekend will be invaluable in their future lives and we are extremely honoured to have our son involved with you all and are grateful for all that you do. SWMS parent

The performance was wonderful and it was great to see how EVERYONE was involved.  It is lovely to see individuals perform but this weekend was quite something when literally all the students with all their different genres and backgrounds blended together with a sole aim. Audience Member
 
Our son was totally inspired by the whole weekend. He came back and the first thing he did was write his first song – there was no stopping him! He has started recording the tracks himself too on a wide range of instruments, it was just the catalyst he needed. SWMS parent