Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

TVMS News

Tees Valley Music Service "Sound Pod"

Picture a room filled with electric guitars, bass guitars, keyboards, percussion stations and drum kits. Twelve of each instrument but each one grouped together in a traditional pop or rock band set up, lets call them 'Pod's'. Now fill the room with students and imagine them playing together.

The room is full of musicians, all in the groove and rocking. But as you enter the room you hear nothing, you just feel the raw energy of music being made. Initially it's a strangely surreal experience but then you walk to the middle of the room to the raised teacher station, you put on your headphones, turn up the volume on a central PA system and you are transported into each bands own rehearsal.

Each band has no idea you are listening. As you lower the volume on the first 'Pod' you notice a band the other side of the room having a few problems with their keyboard part. You activate your head microphone and speak directly to that 'Pod', you demonstrate the keyboard part as your teaching station is fitted with all the same instruments, without having to move a step. The keyboard player realises his mistake, corrects it through hearing and seeing you demonstrate and they are off again. You switch off your microphone and they are back in their own private rehearsal. Of course this space only exists in our imagination, or at least it did.

Welcome to "Tees Valley Music Service Sound Pod.''

''A teaching studio unlike any other in the world, where young and old, experienced or beginner can come together, learn and be inspired.''

Tees Valley Music Service is launching "Sound Pod" on 4th November 2009.  For more information and to book a taster session email your name and address to TVMS@stockton.gov.uk or Telephone 01642 603600.

TVMS Yangchin Group - Hitting the high notes!

The Royal Albert Hall will be the venue for a performance by thirteen talented students from Tees Valley Music Service.  They are members of the Yangchin Group who were award winners at this summer's National Festival of Music for Youth and who will join the very best young musicians from across the UK at the annual Schools Prom in London in November.

This group is totally unique! They perform music from around the world by combining familiar sounds, such as flute and guitar, with more exotic instruments which they have learned to play since joining the Group.  Their programme in London will feature music from Argentina and Greece and will include the zamponas (panpipe), toyos (huge panpipes!), dulcimer called the Yangchin which features in so much of their music.

Their repertoire also includes music from Bolivia, Chile and Romania using the guzheng, the hulusi and the dizi.

The Group is no stranger to the Schools Prom but it will be the first time that these particular musicians have performed there, and they can't wait.  "When i started playing the Double Bass I never dreamed that I would play at the Royal Albert Hall!" said 15 year old Claire Brown.

Any musicians aged 13-17 who would be interested in joining the Yangchin Group can find out more by calling Tees Valley Music Service on Tel. No. 01642 603600.  Being able to play flute or guitar is particularly useful, but players can audition on any instrument.