News: The Stars of Tomorrow

Friday 28th October 2011 - McGintys, Ipswich

If your children have a musical inclination and you struggle to find things for them to do during half term, what better than to sign them up for Rock School.

Punch Studios are responsible for Ipswich’s longest running week long holiday rock schools aimed at young people from 10 to 18 years old.  The team at Punch put together a programme of tuition, rehearsal, recording and performance.

The hard work of the Punch team and the young artists culminates in that all important final day gig, in front of a live audience.  And where better to perform than in one of the town’s best known music venues, PJ McGinty’s.

On Friday 28th October  four bands performed in McGinty’s Blue Room.   The venue was crowded with fans, friends and family, lending a very real late night atmosphere to the autumn afternoon.

A bit about the bands….

50/50 were are 4-piece rock band playing with a professional sound with Sarah (vocals), John (guitar, vocals), Oona (base) and Steve on solid drums.

Short Fuse showed versatility swapping instruments for their 2nd track. Sam received an award on guitar, supported by Hannah, Jack and Joe, and Maddie who had never picked up a bass before this week's Rock School!

Paranoia's Daniel received his award for his first time on vocals, with David playing guitar and Alex and James swapping between drums and bass.

And finally Isawaboatonce (yes!) showing strong support from Johnathon, George and Cameron to a leapy Shaun who was verging on Madness by the end of their set!

Presenting the awards, Joe Bailey of Punch Studios, was keen to point out the versatility of the youngsters on stage, ability to write original songs for this gig, and the fact that performing live was an amazing confidence builder.

It was obvious that once those first beat nerves were overcome, the musicians were more than happy being on stage in front of a live audience.  Each band member received a CD, recorded at Punch Studios, of the songs written and performed during the week.

It is so encouraging for local businesses, such as Punch, to run exciting projects for young people in Ipswich. Many thanks to PJ McGinty's for hosting the event, Tony Bell for his pics-in-the-dark, and the Grapevine banners, always standing up for local entertainment!

Photography by Tony Bell, TBP www.tonybellphotography.com tonybell@tonybellphotography.com