The Rock Project: Battle of the Bands
Falkirk Council Education Services with support from Rock The Talk community education project recently offered further opportunities to young people in rock bands through a mentoring programme and battle of the bands competition.
Cultural Co-ordinator Gayle Martin tells us more about the project.
Project Background
Battle of the Bands final
Future of the Rock Project
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'At present the instrumental service offers a wide range of tuition and supports regional bands such as the orchestra, wind band and choirs. It was identified that there was a gap in the support of rock bands within the service; therefore, the main aim of the project was to raise awareness of rock music, as well as offer further support to young people in rock bands. |
All pupils within Falkirk Council secondary schools were invited to take part in The Rock Project: Battle of the Bands. Thirty bands from throughout the region applied, with six making it through the heats to take part in the semi finals in December 2006 at Rosies in Falkirk. In the lead up to semi final, bands received additional support from Rock Mentors Keith Jenner, Pat Fagan, John Boulton and Stuart Blackwood. The mentors are all professional rock musicians who also deliver workshops and lessons through the instrumental service and Youth Music Initiative (YMI) after school instruction.
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Bands were coached on performance, arrangement, songwriting and stage presence. The semi final was a roaring success and from that four bands were chosen to go through to the final stages of the competition in February, getting the chance to play at one of Scotland’s most famous rock venues – The Barrowlands! |
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'Having worked within instrumental services for several years I was asked to help mentor young musicians through The Rock Project. The bands took on board comments and suggestions made throughout the mentoring period and used them to progress and develop as a band. The change within bands throughout the mentoring process was clearly demonstrated at the final. This has been a great opportunity for young people – one that I’m sure a lot of musicians would love to receive.'
Keith Jenner, Bass & Guitar Instructor, Falkirk Council Education Services |
Throughout the weeks leading up to the final the four finalists: Cadenza, Falling Behind Fred, Ice Cold & Alex and The Debut received further mentoring sessions in a local studio to perfect their playing ability, composition / arrangement skills and stage presence.
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They also received additional support from XFM’s Jim Gellatly and Cincephile’s Susie Wallace. Jim worked with the bands on media awareness and spoke to them on how demos should be presented. Susie coached the bands on self-promotion, suitable gig venues and setting up your own independent label. In order to make the final a truly memorable experience we managed to secure The Hedrons to perform, giving the bands the experience of playing on the same stage as professional musicians. |
The majority of band members come from Bo’ness, Braes, Larbert and Grangemouth. These towns can quite often been very insular and uncelebrated; this event gave the young people the chance to meet other people and industry professionals, play at a renowned venue and show others that there is talent within these Falkirk towns.
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'The Battle of the Bands has built on the work which has been done in Education Services over the last eight years giving our young people on going support and the fantastic opportunity to play in the Barrowlands.
Gillian Thomson, Curriculum Adviser, Falkirk Council Education Services |
Jim Gellatly hosted the event offering tremendous support to the project and the bands.
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We were very lucky to have a panel of judges from the music industry: Louise Henderson from No Half Measures & Measured Records, Tony Gaughan A&R for Neon Tetra Records & music critic for The Sunday Post, Daniel Wylie Director of Neon Tetra Records and James Reeves bass player of Our Lunar Activities. |
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After four spectacular performances from the bands, it was now up to the judges to deliberate, all four found this a very hard job due to the quality and ability of the bands. After 20 minutes the decision was made and it was Tony’s job to face the crowd and announce the winner. The bands stood at the side of the stage waiting anxiously as Tony gave a brief summary of the event and spoke about how impressed he had been that school pupils could produce such amazing compositions and play like pros. The winner was then announced…The Debut was chosen!
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'The project has given me the praise and constructive criticism for the band to develop and play a lot better. If we hadn't joined the project we'd probably just be going round in circles, but now we're focused and have the determination to succeed.'
Emma Philbin, The Debut |
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After the final, the three runners up received £100 per band of music equipment as well as free studio rehearsal time. The Debut received over £450 of free music equipment as well as free rehearsal and recording time to create a demo CD that they can use to promote themselves further. Jim Gellatly of XFM announced the winners live on air and put all four bands up for a public XFM Cadet vote the following week. Bands received free airplay and the public had to vote for their favourite band. An achievement again gained by The Debut. |
The Rock Project was successful in several ways, not only did it provide further support to rock bands, it gave young people a greater sense of achievement and self worth, giving them an insight into what can be achieved through hard work and talent. The bands have now made contacts in the music industry and had their music played on a national radio station – these opportunities evolved from the project, with music professionals wanting to be involved further and support the bands. The project also helped bridge a gap between Education and Community Services creating a stronger partnership that in turn benefits more young people.
It tied into several initiatives and strategies such as Learning to Achieve, My Future's in Falkirk and A Curriculum for Excellence.
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We now hope to expand the project further and offer even more support to young people within rock bands. Through the success of the project industry professionals have put themselves forward to be involved, offering advice and support to bands. |
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We are looking at building further partnerships with local organisations and local venues to bring rock music in the Falkirk Council area to the forefront.
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'The Battle of the Bands project has significantly raised the profile of rock music in the school, and overall has generated a huge level of interest from pupils at all stages in all year groups. The project provided the stimulus for many young performers to deliver the knowledge and skills in rock music. The school was delighted that the winning band was The Debut from Braes High and Graeme High School.'
Margaret McLaughlin, Faculty Head of Expressive Arts, Braes High School |
Falkirk Council would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff and young people involved in the project for their hard work and dedication. If you would like further information, please email Gayle Martin, Cultural Co-ordinator or telephone on 01324 501684.' |