Alison Smith - Classical Guitarist

Alison has been described as one of the most exciting and lyrical guitarists to emerge in recent years. She graduated with honours and was awarded a distinction in the post graduate performance certificate from Trinity College of Music, London. Since then Alison has performed nationwide and abroad at music festivals and concert series such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, St Martin in the Fields, The International Guitar Festival of Great Britain, The Ards International Guitar Festival, Belfast and has broadcast live on BBC Radio. Future concerts include engagements in France and Italy. Alison recently released her successful new CD titled Recuerdos. She taught at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama between 2002 -2008.

SW Camerata

The ensemble consists only of string players. A minimum level of Grade 7, or equivalency in repertoire, is required in order for students to be considered for membership for the ensemble. 

Since our inaugural concert in 2006, we have attracted much media attention, with sponsorship from Gemini FM, appearances on BBC Spotlight, BBC Radio Devon, and a composition dedicated to us, by the music correspondent, Philip Buttall. We engage in many community projects, offering interactive Schools Road Show and lecture recitals for primary and secondary age school children. We have also given lecture recitals for Cardiff University, South West Sound, and for the European String Teachers Association.

Plymouth Youth Concert Band 

PYCB is a non profit-making organisation formed to provide an opportunity for young people aged between 11-18, who attend schools and colleges within the Plymouth area, to participate in music-making at an advanced level. The aim is to provide a permanent wind ensemble for young musicians in the Plymouth area who aspire to becoming professional
musicians or who wish to make music a significant part of their lives.

The band, comprising some 45 players, with recognised musical ability, was formed in April 2003 and soon forged a reputation for the quality of its music-making.  A number of players have since gone on to study music at University or begun a career in music with such renowned organisations as the Royal Marines Band Service. The band has given numerous public performances to great acclaim including participation in the Youth Music National Festival and The Whiteford Festival in Cornwall. The band is directed by Barrie Mills, a former Director of Music in Her Majesty's Royal Marines.

Lipson Big Band

Although the band only formed in early 2009, they have already performed at the International Jazz and Blues Festival and for the Co-operative Trust. Lipson Community College Big Band involves students from within the College and across the city.

The Big Band is open to players from across the city and we are pleased to have formed a partnership with Plymouth Music Service to further develop this fine ensemble

Ridgeway Singers

The Ridgeway School Choir comprises of approx. 50 girls and boys aged 11 – 18. They perform regularly throughout the year at events in and out of school; the most notable being the annual turning on of the Christmas Lights in Plymouth. They have also sung in the National Festival of Music for Youth 2008 and 2009.

Milena Rienska

 At 17 years old music is the most important part of Milena’s life, mainly singing.  She also plays violin, piano and guitar and takes part in singing competitions while studying at Lipson Community College.  She would like to become a singing teacher with singing performances in her free time as a soloist.

Jade Pearce - Winner of Rotary International Singer of the Year.

Jade won the above award at the age of 16 while studying music at Ridgeway School, where she receives singing lessons. She took her grade eight singing exam in musical theatre in which she achieved a distinction and is now working on her national diploma. Other than singing, she also plays the flute and guitar but only for recreational purposes; she also writes her own songs.

When she leaves school in 2010, Jade is going to take a gap year where she wishes to pursue her passions for performing arts. Then she is hoping to go on to a performance college to pursue her ambitions in performing arts.