Talents unlocked at south Warwickshire concert tomorrow

IF you watch X Factor and other talent programmes, you might be forgiven for thinking that all that is required is an ability to sing and a good costume. But there is a great deal more than that involved.

Unlock the Music Concert Making is a Coventry based music education and performance company that is pioneering a new form of musical training.

Founder and director Lizzie Perring said: “What makes this programme unique is that pupils have to be responsible for the whole concert, with a little help if necessary. They’ve taken charge of everything, from choosing and rehearsing songs, arranging accompaniment, inviting and rehearsing guest artists, creating posters, advertising and tickets. They even have to think seriously about the costs of performance.”

Three of Lizzie’s students will be performing at Stoneleigh Village Hall tomorrow (Saturday).

Alexandra Vickers, aged nine, said: “It’s a great opportunity. I can showcase my work in my own concert. I’ve only been singing since June 2011, but already I’ve performed in six concerts.”

Megan Evans, 17, has also been singing for just a year and has performed widely with Unlock the Music. A CD of her music raised £1,100 for Cardiac Risk in the Young, and she recently auditioned for The Voice UK.

Andy Jones proves it’s never too late to start a musical career. “I took piano lessons when I was a kid some 30 years ago, but gave it up after a while. I came back to music recently and now I’m working towards my grade eight piano and voice, and plan to study music at university.”

Andy sings classical and folk songs, drawing on ancient Celtic and Indian traditions as well as a European repertoire. “I’ve done a lot of singing in all sorts of places, but usually you tailor your performance to the event. This concert enables me to demonstrate my full range.”

Performances at 2.30pm, 4pm and 6.45pm. Tickets on the door, proceeds to Unlock the Music Concert Making registered charity. For more information on this and other events call 07491 565311 or visit www.unlockthemusic.co.uk

Caption:

Megan singing solo with Unlock The Music’s choir at All Souls’ church in Coventry earlier this year. Picture submitted.