GROOVE ACADEMY
NEWS FOR 2013
GROOVE ACADEMY CHRISTMAS SOCIAL : Saturday 21st December, 2013
12 Nov, 2013
As you can see below, we've had an eventful and productive year.
To finish up, once again, it's time for our Groove Academy students and their families to get together for food and festivities.
After that, a well deserved rest until the new year. xxx
VOLUME 3 ANNIVERSARY PARTY : Thursday 19th December, 2013
12 Nov, 2013
We've been invited to play at a company Christmas party by Ademir, the dad of one of our students, Milla.
We've played at hundreds of events over the years but have never performed at a office Christmas bash so are very excited to have been invited.
We're also delighted that Ademir and Volume 3 have provided us with the money to buy a new keyboard for Groove Academy which our students will benefit from.
We look forward to thanking Volume 3 for their generosity on the 19th.
Ramsay Musical Instruments and Groove Academy present a special evening of entertainment with Alina, Alex of Ali and the Tigerhorse, and Bryan of Maybelline. There will also be a variety of performances throughout the evening by: Groove Academy (Pulse, Five to Midnight) Matt Nicholas & Aaron Nicholas, Christina Bulford & Nadia Elaissaoui.
Please get in touch or call us on 0208 255 7584 if you would like us to reserve seating for you.
Light refreshments will be provided.
See you there. Promises to be a really good night!
POWERSTATION OPEN MIC SESSIONS: RECORDING OPPORTUNITY : MONDAYS - 3PM TO 6PM
12 Nov, 2013
As a celebration of the Powerstation Open Mic Sessions we would like to invite all the participants to contribute a recording towards a CD we will press up next year. All we need is your help!
We have a great recording facility at Powerstation and we are offering it to you most afternoons between 3 – 6pm so you can book a slot to record your contribution. You can book via email to rick.cassman@richmond.gov.uk Or by telephone 0208 288 0876, or via Angela at groove academy.
You will get help with your material, arrangements, sounds; vocals so don’t feel pressured or stressed by the idea. This is simply an opportunity to capture where you are musically right now and record it for posterity. Each participant will receive a free CD.
There will be a notice board upstairs so that every time you come into an open mic session you can always just put your name against a recording date to ensure you get a chance to get yourself on the CD.
POWERSTATION OPEN MIC SESSIONS: LAUNCH ON FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER, 2013
24 Oct, 2013
Over the past two years we have run a series of Open Mic Sessions for the young people of Richmond-upon-Thames. The first was run in partnership with the Hampton Youth Project and funded by the Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity. The second was run in partnership with Ham Youth Centre and funded by the Richmond Youth Service as is this third series, in partnership with Powerstation in Barnes which will launch on the 8th November, and continue fortnighly through till July 2014.
Dates are: 8th (Launch) & 22nd November, 6th & 20th December, 2013; 10th & 24th January, 7th & 28th February, 14th & 28th March, 11th & 25th April, 9th & 23rd May, 6th & 20th June, and 4th & 18th July, 2014.
Earlier on this year, regular performers at the previous open mic sessions were given the opportunity to perform at the 20th Birthday of Off The Record, the local counselling service for young people. They also performed in the Kingston International Youth Arts Festival , 2013 and over three consecutive Wednesdays they played at Las Iguanas Restaurant, Kingston, to enthusiastic audiences.
We hope to give those involved in the Open Mic Sessions at Powerstation similar opportunities over the coming year.
URBAN DANCE ACADEMY'S CHRISTMAS SHOW - SOUTH-WESTSIDE STORY : SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER, 2013
14 Oct, 2013
Urban Academy was set up in 2004 by Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) (in partnership with Brentford FC Community Sports Trust) and has developed into the largest social inclusion activities programme in Richmond. Urban Academy delivers fun weekly coaching sessions at four venues around the borough of Richmond upon Thames, and attracts over 150, 7 to 21 year olds every week - both young men and young women, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
The coaching sessions include football, street dance/break dance, djing/music production and youth clubs. As well the sessions being fun, they also give the coaches a chance to spot talented young individuals who have the chance to pursue professional careers. Urban Academy have already put ten young men through to the Brentford FC Advanced Training Programme, two of whom are now playing for the School of Excellence.
Urban Academy also delivers holiday programmes with activities such as canoeing, music production courses and Arts and Crafts. As well as the weekly sessions Urban Academy run outward bound trips, coaching courses and a variety of multi-sports tournaments.
Urban Academy specifically targets four areas of deprivation to counter anti-social behaviour, crime, and vandalism and to improve the lifestyle of the young people living on the RHP estates where the activities take place.
They also offer work experience, coaching badges/qualifications, volunteering opportunities and paid work to participants who are over 15 years old.
For the past few years Groove Academy have been invited to perform at Urban Academy's Christmas Concert, both at York House, and more recently at Hampton Boys 450 Theatre.
Usually performing at the beginning of the evening we are excited to have been invited to perform some of the music for the main dance show this time round.
Bookings for the show will be through Hampton Boys. Details of who to contact will follow shortly.
HAMPTON HILL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL : FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER, 2013
14 Oct, 2013
We've been invited to perform at this longstanding annual event in Hampton Hill High Street.
This includes a spectacular parade, Santa's Grotto, Children's rides, craft market, food stalls, live music, pony rides for SOS Special Educational Needs in the Star's Garden, a Grand raffle and lots more...
It's on from 5pm to 9pm so hope to see you there!
GRAND OPENING OF HAMPTON SQUARE : SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER, 2013
14 Oct, 2013
Despite a very wet and windy day, the Grand Opening of Hampton Square successfuly went ahead, with the market stallholders selling their delicious food and wares throughout the day.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Stephen Speak was in attendance, along with several other local councillors.
St Margaret's resident, Samantha Bond, famed for her role as Miss Moneypenny during the Pierce Brosnan years and her roles in Downton Abbey and Outnumbered brought star quality to the occasion.
Hampton Youth Project opened it's doors to the public, running a number of activities throughouth the day, giving local residents the opportunity to see what they do. This included performances from Groove Academy, rock climbing sessions, Basketball and rehearsals from Urban Dance Academy.
Circus performer Paul also ran juggling workshops which were popular with young and old alike.
Alongside these events, Miss Kristie's Dance Academy performed at the Whitehouse Community Centre, as did the local Big Band.
A fantastic day for all involved.
NB I didn't get to see all the performances/organizations involved. If I've missed out anyone, please get in touch so I can add your name/organization to this article.
GRAND OPENING OF HAMPTON SQUARE : SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER, 2013
01 Oct, 2013
We have been invited to perform at the official opening of the finished Hampton Square, with events showcasing all that Hampton North has to offer. Rock climbing, basket ball, sports, Hampton market stalls, big band music, ballet show, art exhibition, Groove Academy and more... All to be opened by our very own Downton Abbey star! (It's a surprise so can't let the cat out of the bag yet...)
The first section of the regeneration works at Hampton Square opened in September when the new water feature was switched on for public use.
LUC completely redesigned the previously unloved space to a tight timeline, with planting, playful elements, new paving and seating. Situated in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, the new square aims to attract both the local community and visitors from further afield.
The fully completed scheme opened in September with new lawn areas, planting and play as well as facilities for a local farmer’s market.
The project followed LUC’s successfully completed Jubilee Gardens in Twickenham, as the same client wanted a similar quality scheme for Hampton as part of their Borough-wide 'Uplift' programme.
TEDDINGTON SCHOOL : T-FEST MUSIC & FUN DAY
01 Oct, 2013
On Saturday 28th September, '13, Teddington School held T-Fest, an annual music and fun day. This year funds raised are helping to buy a new school mini-bus.
Teddington School Jazz Band and Groove Academy took to the stage, performing a range of songs from classic jazz standards to current chart hits.
A number of our members attend Teddington School so they had the opportunity to perform in front of their friends and teachers - exciting but nerve-wracking at the same time. We're glad to say that they were able to bring a strong performance to the stage.
Well done all.
26th Sept, 2013
After a few years break, the Teddington River Festival came back with a bang!!!
Despite some rainy weather there was a good turnout and some great performances from Nark Drool & the Shudders, The Eel Pie Pirates, We Happy Few, That Band of Johns, Teddington Jazz Band, Station Road and not forgetting, our very own Groove Academy. We had performed at this fantastic local festival twice before and are delighted to have been asked back once again.
Sunday 8th Sept 11.00am - 6.00pm
This festive celebration was held in and around Teddington Lock supporting the Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station and the local community.
The fun events and activities included: Arts & crafts • angling • boats on display • boat rides • canoe/skiff racing • charity & community stands • face painting • food & refreshments • fairground rides • kids shows • live music • river rescue demonstrations • try-a-boat • water safety road shows • wildlife displays.. and more
The Teddington River Festival is a not-for-profit charitable community event. For enquiries, stand bookings or opportunities to get involved , please email admin@teddingtonriverfestival.com or follow us on twitter @TeddRiverFest
Music for Youth National Festival 2013
14h August 2013
On Friday 5th July, Pulse, one of the Groove Academy bands put forward for this festival, reached the National Finals.
We headed for Birmingham on Thursday evening, staying over at a local youth hostel as we had an early morning sound check the next day.
After sound check at the Birmingham Town Hall, where the finals were being held, we attended a Utalk run by Universal Music at the Birmingham Conservatoire.
Universal Music is the UK’s leading music company, with every genre of music represented across their labels which include Island, Polydor, Mercury and Decca. Home to artists like Florence + The Machine, Jessie J, Mumford & Sons, Elbow, international superstars like Lady Gaga and Rihanna, and to classical giants such as Renee Fleming and Daniel Barenboim along with young stars Janine Jansen and Nicola Benedetti.
The Universal Utalk sessions were designed to give people interested in working in music the chance to throw questions at those working on the front line of the music industry. So we were able to speak to Universal’s expert panel and received top tips on what it is like to work in music on both sides of the stage.
The performances begin at 4.30 pm and continue till 8.30 pm then participants were given feedback from 8.30pm to 9.30 pm. It was a fantastic opportunity to see other young musicians perform a variety of genres.
We were delighted to receive amazing feedback and made our way home tired but happy because it had been such an inspirational day.
We'd love it if you could check out the video of our performance and feedback.
Ben Soan : BEASTS - Release of Debut EP - 12.08.13 on Avatone Records
8th August, 2013
As a young bass player, Ben soon became very involved in the life of Groove Academy. Before long, he was part of 'Montage', our award winning band, who reached the Music for Youth National Finals, and performed at The School Proms in the Royal Albert Hall, playing a huge part in the success of the group. In 2009 he successfully auditioned for the Brit School for Performing Arts and Technology, gaining a BTEC Diploma in Music.
In 2010, Ben was bass player for Chakula Soul, a group of young soul musicians who successfully auditioned and reached the live semi-finals of 'Must be the Music', Sky 1's music competition, hosted by Jamie Cullum, Sharleen Spiteri, Dizee Rascal and Fearne Cotton.
Ben now plays bass and does backing vocals in the band Beast (previously named Karvel), who has drawn the attention of mega producers like Jim Abbiss (Artic Monkeys, Kasabian, Placebo). They also produced 2 tracks with Grammy award winning producer / engineer Adrian Bushby (Foo Fighters, Muse, Smashing Pumpkins).
They release their debut EP, with acclaimed producer Bill Gautier of The Cure, on 12th August, 2013, on Avatone Records.
You can find them at:
Check out the video of their song 'Everybody Knows'.
Kingston International Youth Arts Festival 2013
9th June, 2013
We have five performances throughout the duration of the Festival.
We will be running three Open Mic Evenings at Las Iguanas Restaurant, Kingston on Wednesdays 10th, 17th and 24th July, 2013. With a line--up of fantastic young talent from all over London who will be performing a variety of original material and covers and some young urban poets in the mix too it promises to be a great evening.
I haven't confirmed times yet but they will be evening events. More details to follow.
Also, check out Las Iguanas and their fantastic menu by pressing the link to your left.
Then, on Saturday 20th and and Sunday 21st of July, we will be performing our 'Play that Funky Music' concert, a high-energy performance, designed to get you up and movin’ to the groovin’. It covers a range of disco funk from the seventies to the nineties.
Both performances are at the Eagle Brewery Wharf, Kingston Riverside, next to the Ram Pub, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
Go on, admit it, your feet are tapping already! Join the fun in this funky feel good concert.
You don’t want to miss it!!
Music for Youth National Festival 2013
9th June 2013
On Friday 5th July, we'll be heading for the Birmingham Town Hall to perform in the National Finals, Rock, Pop & Urban Cateogy, of Music for Youth's National Festival.
The performances begin at 4.30 pm and continue till 8.30 pm then bands will be given feedback from 8.30pm to 9.30 pm.
We have a sound-check at 10.20 am so it's going to be a long, but eventful day.
For anyone interested in attending, details of venue, times, booking tickets , maps, etc, please click on the MfY button to your left.
Hope to see you there.
have entered into the 2013 Festival and will keep you posted on developments.
2nd June, 2013
After a few years break, the Teddington River Festival is back!!!
We have performed at this fantastic local festival twice before and are delighted to have been asked back once again.
Sunday 8th Sept 11.00am - 6.00pm
A celebration in and around Teddington Lock supporting the Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station and the local community.
Fun events and activities to include: Arts & crafts • angling • boats on display • boat rides • canoe/skiff racing • charity & community stands • face painting • food & refreshments • fairground rides • kids shows • live music • river rescue demonstrations • try-a-boat • water safety road shows • wildlife displays.. and more
The Teddington River Festival is a not-for-profit charitable community event. For enquiries, stand bookings or opportunities to get involved , please email admin@teddingtonriverfestival.com or follow us on twitter @TeddRiverFest
Vineyard School Summer Fair Academy
2nd June, 2013
Saturday 22nd June, 2013
We played at the Vineyard School Summer Fair last year for the first time and have been invited back to perform once again.
It's a fantastic event in a beautiful setting, at the top of Richmond Hill. There are a variety of stalls and activities on offer along with scrumptious food to eat.
Hope to see you there!!!
The stage at the Vineyard School Summer Fair, with a group of the school's young musicians performing to a packed audience.
10th May 2013
At the beginning of the year we were asked by Rick Cassman, Area Lead Youth Worker at the Powerstation in Barnes, if we would be interested in writing a song for a video promoting emotional well-being and mental health concerns experienced by young people.
The result is 'Lifeline' composed, arranged and played by Chelsea Ramsay, with lyrics by Angela Ramsay. It highlights some of the issues young people are dealing with and the feelings of isolation and powerlessness they are experiencing.
The video includes advice from mental health professionals and the contact information of organisations providing mental health support in the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames and will be formally launched in June at Orleans House Gallery.
All the stories are based on real cases, although names have been changed.
There is a brief snippet of the song at the beginning of the video and it's played at the end with the credits.
Groove Academy
29th April 2013
It's a happy 9th birthday to Groove Academy.
Nine years today we launched Groove Academy in our home.
We had Cheese and Wine, a performance and a powerpoint presentation, telling friends and family about what our dream of a community music school who would achieve at a local, national and international level.
We talked of partnerships, working with community organizations and finding a building we could use to see this dream come to fruition. It seemed like a pipe dream. I think many people thought we were crazy. Mark and I sometimes thought we were crazy.
Nine years on and the dream is a reality. God is good.
Music for Youth National Festival 2013
14th January 2013
Music for Youth, is a national Music Education Charity which, through its annual series of festivals and concerts, gives young people the opportunity to play in some amazing venues, network with other young musicians and to be critiqued by professional musicians.
In 2008 we entered three bands into the Festival. One, Montage, made it to the finals of the Rock, Pop & Urban category, getting to perform at the Carling Academy, Birmingham. We were then invited by the Music for Youth to perform in the School Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
We have entered into the 2013 Festival and will keep you posted on developments.
Kingston International Youth Arts Festival 2013
20th January, 2013
The International Youth Festival was established in 2008 with the aim of creating a festival of national importance showcasing youth arts (5 -26 yrs) of the highest quality.
Their commitment is to ensure that young people, whatever their skills or backgrounds, are involved in high-quality arts projects. As well as targeting some of the most vulnerable young people in the community, they also reach out to large and diverse audiences, as demonstrated by their commitment to using public spaces, street arts and digital technology, enabling them to reach new and untapped audiences.
We have applied for entry into this year's Festival and will let you know once we have any news.
Minifest Band Night V at The Basement Door, Richmond
25th March, 2013
The Minifest Bandnight V was the final band night in a series of five, funded by the Richmond Youth Service and in partnership with Richmond Youth Partnership.
It was a fantastic evening with performances from Waistcoats and Bowties a local duo, First Girl in Space (FGIS), Transit Circus and Breaking Out, both Groove Academy bands, Natasha, & Youssef, both soloing, Hill Top, Jamie Skinner, Tempted, Soil to the Sun and finishing with Friday Mistress.
There were an estimated 160 young people in attendance and a good time was had by all!
The Basement Door was the perfect venue, with a great sound engineer, good acoustics and friendly staff serving good coffee and delicious food.
Below are some links to pages of artists who performed on the night.
Hampton Youth Project : Community Fun Day
24th January, 2013
The Community Fun Day at the Hampton Youth Project, 32 Tangley Park Road, Hampton, TW12 3YH, on Saturday 23rd March, 2013 was an amazing event
Approximately 400 people turned up to enjoy all the activities on offer.
T-shirt design & decoration was extremely popular, with 150 t-shirts being distributed.
Groove Academy provided live music throughout the day.
Rock House Music donated an electric guitar as a prize. The competition to win the guitar was how many basketballs you could get in the basket in a row and a young lady from Hampton who managed an amazing score of 16 was announced the winner and received the prize.
Hosted by Serena Austin, Area Lead Youth Worker, and in collaboration with Richmond Housing Partnership, Richmond Youth Partnership, and Groove Academy.
Shooting Star Chase, a local children’s hospice charity caring for over 600 families living in western London, Surrey and West Sussex were in attendance.
There was music, food, bouncy castles and Suma wrestling suits.
The Hampton Diner Beauty Salon, with qualified staff were there to pamper, preen and make the ladies beautiful. The Salon was extremely popular with every slot taken.
Activities like T-shirt art, making jewellery, henna and face-painting were all popular and the food refreshments, provided by the Richmond Youth Partnership, went down a treat.
Photos of the day will be posted in due course.
Minifest Band Night IV at The Warehouse, St John's Church, Hampton Wick
24h February, 2013
Calling all young bands in Southwest London - on Friday 8th March, 2013, in partnership with Groove Academy and The Richmond Youth Partnership, you're invited to perform at 'the Warehouse', a building St John's Church, Hampton Wick has taken over and been busy refurbishing.
Places are limited so book a performance slot ASAP.
Nana Ntiamoah
Groove Academy 2013
12th January 2013
We had a great first session back. Spirits were high, as we shared our plans for 2013/14.
Nana Ntiamoah, singer, dancer and 'the boss' of Society Dance, a street and hip hop dance company based in South West London, shared some of his journey with us, and ran an improvisation workshop which was enthusiastically received.
We also spoke about doing some collaborative work with Nana and his dance crew, and making a video with them this year.
Open Mic Sessions Live : Ham Youth Centre
22nd December 2012
Due to the success of the Hampton Diner Open Mic Sessions in 2012 we applied for funding through the Youth Service to run a similar project at Ham Youth Centre and received the good news that we had been successful.
On Friday 11th January we launched our first session. We had a great turnout and several acts performed throughout the evening, with some great covers and a few original songs too.
Dates for the for the next few months are alternate Fridays, January 25th, February 8th & 22nd, and 8th and 22nd March.
Breaking Out
22nd December 2012
In 2012 our main focus was song-writing.
In January 2012 we began to look for ideas, using nature, the stars, the universe, and various other subjects aimed at inspiring our young people and getting their creative juices flowing.
Once lyrics had been written, music composed and songs arranged, which took several months, a recording schedule was put together and we began to lay down tracks. Mark, along with a few of the more experienced members in our group, began working on the tracks, ensuring the finished product would be of a high standard.
We finally launched the CD on 22nd December at our Christmas Social, and are very proud of our young people for all their hard work and what they have achieved.
Band Night III
20th December 2012
We had a fantastic evening with a great line-up at Powerstation in Mortlake. From some of our own Groove Academy, to local bands Friday Mistress, Mama Smoke and The Magic Roundabout. We also had singer/song-writer, Jamie Skinner perform for us and duo Nick & Pete along with several young artists from Groove Academy.
