Last Friday 9 selected students from XP & XPE spent the afternoon at Higher Rhythm listening to presentations from local musicians Dan Whitehouse (freelance musician, producer and educator) & Christian Carlisle (BBC Radio Sheffield presenter and musician). Through the relaxed presentations students got to know more about the opportunities within Doncaster, how to get started in the music industry and learn from the personal experiences of the experts.
Dan chatted to the students about his days supporting the Arctic Monkeys and how he sustains a consistent living as a freelance musician and Christian told the students about his journey from a small Scottish village to arriving in Donny and realising he had a talent for radio. He is now the main man for giving rising stars and fresh new acts a break on BBC Radio Sheffield through his show, BBC Introducing.
Also while we were at Higher Rhythm, Dan gave us a tour of their facilities and explained the ways our students could get involved in order to support their next steps in the business through level 3 courses and Post 16 opportunities along with volunteering sessions and short courses.
It was a great way to experience a local organisation supporting the development of local students into the world of music and how to create a career in this exciting industry. The energy and passion Christian showed us was infectious and he highlighted that if you have the drive to succeed you can achieve whatever you want.
A special mention must go to Chrissy Moog from Higher Rhythm for inviting us and to Mrs Burns (XP / XPE Careers Lead) for her support in organising our involvement too.