FAQ's
The course runs from Jan 16th to May 1st 2017
There is a regular group meeting every Monday from 7-9pm, and you will have 5 production and recording sessions. We will work out the best time for these with you if you are selected. There will be a few rehearsals at the Academy and a couple of saturday afternoons for video shoots. You will also get the day off school for the Maltings show.
The course will run from a variety of locations within Berwick upon Tweed. Monday group sessions will be in the William Elder Building on Castlegate, Production sessions will be in The Berwick Watchtower on West End, Tweedmouth. Studio recording sessions will be at Iain Petrie’s studio in Albert Road, Spittal
Absolutely! We are looking for passion, commitment, and a love of music. If you can demonstrate that you have those qualities then you have a good chance of being selected. Many who joined last year had no experience at all and by the end of it had written a song and performed live on many stages!
Not a problem. Your producers can provide any instrumental backing that you need for both the recordings and the live shows. For the big shows there will be a band to back you up. If you do play an instrument and want to play it, thats ok too
Don’t worry, the course will finish before exams start. 3 of the students on the last course finished in the top 8 best exam results for the year. Music has been proven to benefit students in other subjects including better exam results, increased confidence, wellbeing and emotional development. The following quote is from Steve Wilkes, Deputy headteacher at the Academy: ‘It is an inspirational project which united students at school, developed the musicality of the students tremendously, and enhanced the self-esteem of the students involved beyond belief! This work was so valuable to the individuals involved, but also to our school and the wider community. Projects like this MUST continue! Iain Petrie, who set up the project was tireless and focused in achieving the project aims. He achieved this through tireless working, and in a caring and inclusive spirit that made all feel valued’ Click here for more detailed analysis on the many benefits of music to your education
No one likes to do auditions, and everyone feels nervous! Don’t let your fears and doubts stop you from going for something that you would love to do! You wont be judged, this is not like the X factor. Its all about encouraging you to be the best you can be and go beyond what you thought you are capable of. You will not be criticised or laughed at. There will only be 3 or 4 of us listening and we will do our best to make sure you feel as relaxed as possible
We want to make this affordable to everyone, so the price for the whole course is £25. If its too much to pay at once, you can pay in instalments.
You will retain ownership of your songs which means you have the copyright. Unlike most record companies, we will not restrict you in any way. You will be free to use your recordings in any way you like, so you can use them on your own CD’s, or sell them on itunes etc. Inspired will retain the right to use the recording of your song on the Inspired! CD. Sales of this CD, and any downloads, will be used to finance this, and future projects.
Great! fill in the online application form (link here) and we’ll be in touch. Let us know on the form that you are interested in being in the band. We will start band rehearsals in February, once the songs have been written and will let you know more about it through Mr Hollywell at Berwick Academy
Rehearsals for the band will start in February in the Academy music dept, once we have the songs written. There will be regular Wednesdays after school 3.15-4.45 and Friday lunchtimes.
You will be given many opportunities to play at local events, and events further afield, and we may ask you back to be involved in the next course as a mentor. We want to build a strong musical community that has young talent at the fore. You are the future of music here, so if theres anything happening, you will know about it!