Our Music Performance degree students recently supported Nottingham-based social enterprise, Pulp Friction CIC, producing a new anthem for their community choir.
Pulp Friction CIC is a charity which supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to build work-ready skills. Arranged with the support of our Music Performance degree lecturers, Ajay Henry and Tom Mapes; (pictured on the front row, left and right) and Work Placement Manager, Lucy Greaves, the opportunity provided students with ‘work-like experience’ that will be assessed as part of their course.
Organised into eight bands, students were tasked with writing original compositions for Pulp Friction’s community choir. On a mission to produce an anthemic song that best suited the client’s needs, the project culminated with a showcase event at our Metronome venue on Wednesday 21 February. At the event, each band took to the stage to perform for Pulp Friction’s community of members, who were left with the tough decision of choosing their favourite song (they were all fantastic!). Don’t just take our word for it, hear from Pulp Friction’s Artist in Residence, Angela Warren, who worked closely with the students, she said:
“This showcase today was a culmination of a project that we’ve been doing with Confetti’s music students, and their remit was to write a community song for our choir from scratch, that will be performed by a band.
“We did this last year as well and the previous song has been sung several times at various events that the choir has been involved in. This year’s winning song will hopefully be performed at the Chelsea Flower Show, because Pulp Friction are taking a garden to the show in May.
“We’ve seen all eight bands today and it’s just been amazing…All the songs have been so good that we’re going to use all the choruses at some point throughout the year!”
Angela Warren was really impressed with our students’ contributions, particularly their professionalism and commitment to inclusivity, she added:
“The best thing about this though has been the way the students at Confetti took on board what our members at Pulp Friction needed. They considered what our needs were, what our level of interest was, and they were so accommodating.
“It’s been such a wonderful relationship between the students and my members at Pulp Friction and it’s been great to see the culmination of all the hard work today and we’ve been made to feel part of this community, which is what we’re all about.”
We’re so happy Pulp Friction’s had an enjoyable experience working with our students. It’s been a real privilege to work alongside such a lovely group of people. Here’s a word from one of the students involved, Alisha Drake, who found the experience really rewarding, she said:
“Having the opportunity to give back, in a way, has been really nice. Doing something that isn’t for me specifically and my own growth but is going towards something really incredible.
“We’ve been able to keep it fun and so the whole process been really enjoyable.”
Are you interested in studying BA (Hons) Music Performance and getting hands-on work experience as part of your studies? Book onto an Open Day to find out more about all the opportunities on offer here at Confetti.
