A group of budding young rock stars raised the roof of a converted barn during the holidays with the help of their enthusiastic teachers.
The KZR Rock Sessions – held at Hemel Hempstead School’s Heath Barn – saw talented kids work together in a band setting while meeting new people and improving their skills over two days, before finishing up with a grand finale showcase gig in front of family and friends.
Berkhamsted-based jazz musician and KZR founder Andy Fleet runs the two-day sessions during the school holidays with friends and colleagues Nick McNulty and Andre Canniere.
Cult hits by the Rolling Stones, Green Day and Muse are just some of the many tunes that the children rehearse under the watchful eye of Andy and his team at the venue on St Johns Road.
There are opportunities to play drums, keys, bass and guitar, while singers can try their hand at lead vocals.
Andy said: “We don’t teach them how to play an instrument, we teach them how to be in a band. It’s great to see partnerships forming, and the results are incredible.
“We have regulars that keep coming back, and often the kids keep in touch and let me know how they’re getting on.”
Andy stresses that the sessions are unsuitable for beginners and that to get the most out of them, the budding musicians need to be proficient at playing their chosen instrument, with at least two years’ experience.
The sessions are suitable for those aged between 11 and 17.
{http://www.kzrmusic.co.uk/|For more information, dates and prices, visit the KZR website here.}
