In order to give learners tangible experience of the practices
within music and performing arts, Walsall College sought to work
with recognised employers, venues and practitioners to secure real
engagement at a professional level. Not simply simulated
activities to represent the demands of the professions, but live
performances encouraging professional mastery.
The objective of the project was to give learners direct access to
practicing professionals to inform their learning, allowing them to
benefit from master classes. It was also envisaged that
learners would deliver real live productions at a range of venues
nationally.
Building on its now well established Roland Music Academy, Walsall
College increased the scope of the academy concept to encompass
dance and acting. This has allowed learners to benefit from
direct input from practising professionals, and real experience of
employment.
This has included planning and performing in a variety of dance and
music events at commercial venues, including Birmingham Hippodrome
Theatre and Birmingham Symphony Hall. Students have worked
with professional choreographers such as Dance Xchange and
RE:BOURNE New Adventures to create a piece of dance inspired by
Cinderella and choreographed by Matthew Bourne OBE. Acting
students also recently won a high profile competition to perform a
play at the National Theatre, London.
Students have been able to expand their knowledge of industry
employment opportunities, increase their knowledge of the
professional expectations of the performing industries and network
with industry experts. The project has also helped to raise
the self-esteem and confidence of learners.
Rebecca Currie, 2nd Year Acting student said: "The
opportunities that college has given me are extraordinary!
Visiting the Royal Shakespeare Company made me realise a dream to
perform on that stage and join that company. Setting this as
a goal has made me be more committed to my class work and increased
my focus as an actress".
Katie O'Neill 2nd Year Dance student said: "My highlight was being
chosen to perform Cinderella on stage at the Hippodrome. This
really was a dream come true. Working with the Matthew Bourne
Company and performing to 1900 people has given me the confidence
to pursue a career in dance".
Liz Leck, Education and Audience Development Manager, Birmingham
Hippodrome said: "Throughout the entire project, we found the
students to be extremely professional and hard working. They
committed to weekend rehearsals and remained focused and motivated
at all times. Our Board of Directors were very impressed with the
students' performance. We would have no hesitation in working
in partnership with Walsall College in the future".
David Barnard, Head of Education, Roland UK Ltd said: "Students
have had opportunities to work as demonstrators for Roland at key
events. These learners have proved themselves to be great
ambassadors, exhibiting high levels of instrumental and
presentation skills, alongside maturity in their professional
approach to work - attributes that Roland looks for in potential
employees".