By Michele Wilson-Morris, MusicDish e-Journal
Have you ever heard the expression 'from the mouths of babes'? Well,
in a small English village called Shipton-Under-Wychwood, there are 35
'babes' who are making music, sweet music. Ranging in ages 6-15, these
youngsters composed, performed live, and recorded their very own songs
which are now available for your listening pleasure at
http://www.Kerchoonz.com/secretmusic
How did such a thing come about? Well, the children are all students
of the Witchwood School of Rock ( http://www.witchwoodrock.com ),
which was founded in January 2009 by Sandy Chalmers, Aldie Chalmers,
and Lee Wyatt-Buchan. According to Wyatt-Buchan, "the school was
created as an opportunity for the children and teenagers of the local
community to give them an opportunity to learn and play instruments,
learn and understand musical composition, play music with other kids
in band situations, record material, and play live on stage."
Pulling this off took a bit of finessing, but the Chalmers and Wyatt-
Buchan took advantage of the last school break by holding a weeklong
workshop that focused on song writing, song structure and recording.
Of the 50 students (ages 6 - 18) who currently attend the Witchwood
School of Rock, 35 participated in the workshop which focused on song
writing, song structure and recording. They formed groups (with the
exception of one budding artist -- 15 year old Tom Taylor who
challenged himself even more by going solo), and wrote and recorded
the music. This is pretty impressive since none of them had ever even
been in a recording studio before. (And how many adult artists can
actually compose, learn, and record a song in just 5 days from start
to finish, hmm..?) The experience level of the students vary from
being self taught to having private lessons, but most learned the
basics through the Witchwood School of Rock by attending sessions on a
weekly basis.
On April 17th, most of the Witchwood kids will be performing their
music live in a showcase/fundraising gig in Shipton. The group (or
soloist) that has received the most plays and downloads on the
Kerchoonz.com website will take home a portable digital recording
studio. The kids are excited, as are friends and family, who are
diligently downloading. Think of it as a smaller version of American
Idol if you will, but you don't have to call or text... just listen
and download your favorite(s). The event will also serve the purpose
of helping to purchase equipment (such as a PA system), and additional
instruments, because not all of the children have their own. But while
they might not own an instrument, they definitely play them - electric
guitars, bass guitar, acoustic guitars, keyboards, and drums. There
are also some very talented lyricists and vocalists as well.
Wyatt-Buchan's main concern is developing and maintaining their
passion for music. "We as teachers are just passing on our years of
experience from writing, playing live, and recording to the kids in
the hope that they will enjoy it and that it will stay with them
through life."
The Witchwood School of Rock is planning to once again showcase their
talent in May, followed by an event to be held in the latter part of
2009 in which established bands will be invited to play. And in the
meantime, any donations to the school will be accepted and
appreciated.
http://www.Kerchoonz.com/secretmusic
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