BTEC Music Technology students scoop awards

We are very pleased to announce that two of our BTEC Music Technology students have been given awards for their work in the annual Strode College awards evening held at Strode Theatre

Music student of the year - Tom Mills-Smith
Outstanding Contribution - Gary Smith 

Tom achieved a D*D*D* grade in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Music Technology and an A grade in the Extended Project Qualification in July 2014. Right from the outset it was clear that Tom had a talent for music composition and that he intended to combine this with his passion for creating computer games. A talented guitar player with excellent music production skills on software and in the studio.

Tom is now studying for a BSc in Games Technology at the University of the West of England, Bristol. Here is an example of the music and sound design work Tom created for a video game trailer. This work contributed to his strong composition portfolio that  included music for video games, TV adverts, a musical toy and a silent film.

Gary gained a D*D*D* grade in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Music Technology in July 2014 as well as completing an Extended Project Qualification. He took a mature approach to all the assignment work and projects set on the course and showed time after time to be highly motivated and a positive influence on the other students in the group.

Over and above his College course commitments Gary became involved in many extra curricula projects at College and the local community. He took on a key role in the team of students that organised a record and CD sale in the College refectory raising money for an eating disorder charity called ‘BEAT’. Gary also organised a video game conference at Strode Theatre with talks from many influential people working in the industry including interviews held on the other side of the world using SKYPE. He worked voluntarily as a sound engineer for music events at the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury and has been regularly featured on Glastonbury FM.

Gary organised the first ‘Oxjam’ music event in 2013 at the Red Brick Building as coursework evidence for the Music Events unit. This event has now become a yearly fixture in the local music calendar raising over £1,500 in 2014 across multiple venues and showcases almost all the bands and artists in the area. Gary is passionate about music and is a valued member of the Strode Live team supporting and promoting Strode College music artists.

The music team were extremely pleased and proud when Gary gained employment at Strode College in the post of ‘E Learning and Information Resources Co-ordinator’ working with the Learning Resource Centre Team.

http://www.mrkeepcalm.co.uk/

HE course in Music Production at Weston College University Campus

We took a group of students to visit the University campus of Weston College recently.

Tony Hobden ran a studio recording workshop and showed everyone around the amazing facilities.









The BTEC and A Level courses at Strode College offer students the opportunity to investigate some of the many options available to them when they finish their course.

Weston College is only a short distance away and offers a 2 year Foundation Degree in Music Product.

Recording Workshop
Great facilities and great equipment

Our students got involved in a vocal recording session for a local blues band.

Ex Strode student Ben Notley is now studying for a degree at Weston College. He is enjoying the course and demonstrated his excellent studio skills on the day.