Wall of Fame

Alice is currently at the University of East Anglia, studying English Literature and Creative Writing. Alice has recently received the UEA Music Award which is a fantastic fund that financially supports her singing lessons and also connects her to other musical students. Through this, Alice has sung with UEA’s Big Band, joined their chamber choir and now, along with a few friends, Alice is starting an operetta society.

After studying on the South West Music School Composer programme, Ben left to further his skills elsewhere. Since leaving, Ben has written music for theatre, including a production of ‘Moonfleece’ by Phillip Ridley in the Salberg Theatre of the Salisbury Playhouse. He has also written a number of works, including a Christmas piece originally written for ‘The Invitation Theatre Company’, and a piece for Jazz Sextet.

Darren has been astounding audiences up and down the country with his ability to take the Acoustic Guitar to breathtaking limits. His instrumental playing spans a repertoire of Blues, Jazz, Country, Gypsy Jazz and Travis Picking, and audiences are mesmerised with the challenges that Darren sets himself.

Originally from Devon, Harriet studied Orchestral Percussion at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and graduated in 2014. She is now freelancing in Bristol and playing in a variety of ensembles and genres. Having played a number of festivals in the summer, 8 piece Ethiopian-jazz band “Tezeta” is in the process of recording their first album featuring Harriet on vibraphone and extra percussion.

Since leaving South West Music School, Jonah has been studying at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance doing a Jazz Performance course. Jonah says “this is great because I am constantly surrounded by people that inspire me and make me want to become a better player, much like SWMS.”

Lawrence was part of SWMS for four years. Within that time he worked his way up to the Core programme and benefited from lots of added value activities such as the English Brass Academy courses. Lawrence is now studying music at The University of Bristol after being successful with his A Levels. He is also in a band with some other South West Music School graduates and having great fun!

Louise is currently studying Creative Songwriting and Artist Development at ACM @ Metropolis Studios, Chiswick. It’s a six month course and Louise thinks it’s amazing! She is also working at Metropolis Studios at the bar and at events, which she is really enjoying.

At the moment, bassoon player Stan is enjoying his life at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He is due to finish his studies in 2017. Stan does occasional freelance work – he recently played Contrabassoon with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, to record Walton’s Portsmouth Point Overture, as part of an upcoming album, “British Overtures Volume 2”.

Zola is currently studying at The BRIT School, having been awarded 1 of the 5 places available to people living outside of London. Zola has been studying there since September and has been working on writing her own material. She has been working on getting enough material together ready to start doing some gigs around the London and Essex area.