In December 2011, the Department of Music and Performing Arts engaged in a collaborative effort with the Audio Music Technology (AMT) society and the Student Union to host a band showcase night as part of our Music Performance Studies Modules. The night was held in the Student Union Academy Venue on campus, and featured seven bands made up of music, creative music technology, and popular music pathway students. There was a range of music on offer, from heavy metal versions of Adele hits, to Nikki Minaj to large-scale original compositions.

The event was an important opportunity for musicians and audio music students, in ALSS-FST cross faculty collaboration, to gain valuable experience in live audio, mixing, lighting and recording.

Third year BA (Hons) Creative Music Technology student and performer Andrew Hosker said that "The Designated Ensemble performances in the Academy were a brilliant success and a rare but very useful opportunity the Music Department to collaborate with AMT, which resulted in valuable experience for us all."

The event was well attended, as students appreciated the opportunity to have areas for social events on campus. There was also a live stream broadcasted worldwide through the ustream website (thanks to 3rd year music student and performer Sarah Shek), and as the word got out on Facebook we had an audience from places such as Greece, Slovenia, Belgium, China, and even America.

First year Popular Music student Andy Fraser said, "As a first year student new to Anglia Ruskin University, I was amazed at the quality of the musicianship on show throughout the evening. Great fun and these guys really take their music seriously!"

We wish to engage with future collaborate with AMT and the SU, in particular during our Festival Week (28 May) where we have a range of performances in the department as well as the week before (21 May) when we will be hosting popular music recitals in the SU Academy as well. Watch this space!

Justin Williams
Programme Leader - Music
Pathway Leader - Popular Music

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