‘Rock music goes into me’
There’s nothing quite like playing music with other people. You learn so much about them and about yourself, it enhances aspects of your mind and your life in a way you wouldn’t believe, and it’s just so much fun, so satisfying, so life-enhancing …
Anybody who introduces others to the thrill and joy of making music, especially in an ensemble or a band, is a hero to me.
‘It’s a universal language that can touch everybody’
Recently I was invited to Summer Smash 3, the annual celebration of Shropshire’s Rock Music School. Rock Music School gives musicians of all ages and ability levels the chance to play together in a band setting, and a few times a year they get the chance to showcase their skills in front of a live audience. Some of the players were in their fifties or maybe sixties, like me. At the other end of the age scale were kids of maybe seven or eight years old, who took to the stage like they were born to it.
This year’s Summer Smash took place in the fantastic Barnes Theatre at Shrewsbury School, complete with pro-quality PA and lighting, and even dry-ice for that authentic big-rock-show feel.
Proceeds from the evening went to Shropshire Parent and Carer Council, which supports the families of young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Some of the SEND kids take part in Rock Music School sessions, and were playing in the concert.
In this episode of Hello You the Shropshire podcast, you can hear from some of the participants in the gig, and family and audience members too.
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