Topsham rock school vacancies

IT IS one year since Topsham Rock School was formed. And, as testament to its success in the last 12 months, Michael Thomas, who helped set up the organisation, is keen for the school to expand, writes Graham Britton. The 41-year-old said he would like ne

IT IS one year since Topsham Rock School was formed.

And, as testament to its success in the last 12 months, Michael Thomas, who helped set up the organisation, is keen for the school to expand, writes Graham Britton.

The 41-year-old said he would like new music tutors to join and there were around three spaces for children to become involved when it reopened in September after a summer break.

Topsham Rock School is a community organisation funded by the National Lottery's Awards for All Scheme, Exeter Arts Council and a number of charities.

It provides young people aged between ten and 16 the chance to write, rehearse and ultimately, perform live music.

Michael, who continues to help run the school, said: "We are about giving kids the opportunity to get together, have fun and be creative.

"People turn up and they have tutors on hand to help them musically. We don't tend to approve on members doing cover songs."

Keen for children to be creative, Michael added: "I agree sometimes but stipulate they can perform a cover for every two songs they write of their own.

"Some people are put off from rock school because they think we need prior music experience, but we don't.

"We actually like taking complete beginners. The only pre-requisite is that people like music and they want to play.

"It is amazing how quickly from then onwards you can become an integral part of a band with fairly basic levels of musicianship.

"We have good tutors at the rock school who are used to working with people of all types of levels."

Michael said he would like the organisation to expand - to attract people not just from Topsham but also Exmouth and its surrounding areas.

There are a number of bands that have been set up thanks to the work of the school including Caution Horses, Organised Chaos, The Hailstones and Ellis in Wonderland.

Michael explained: "There are some talented individuals. We have some bands, though, that are split down the middle in terms of how they compare to one another.

"Some have front-men who are quite extraverted but not terribly good with their instruments and then there are others who are more quiet but great with music."

If you would like to join the school, visit their website for contact details, at: www.topshamrockschool.org