Band Spotlight: Amplitude Project
For Amplitude tutor Dirk Forsdyke, there is nothing better than being able to pass on his knowledge to young musicians.
This year will see the scheme, which offers music workshops for 11 to 18-year-olds across the county, enter its sixth year, having begun in 2004 as the Amplifier Project, run by the Cambridge Junction.
For the last two years, the initiative has been run as a community interest company, with funding from Mid Suffolk District Council, and sees four tutors offering their experience and guidance to a range of youngsters.
"We get bands coming to us when they want a bit of help, and we get complete beginners who come in on their own and want a bit of guidance," said Dirk, adding that tutors could help match up individuals to help them form new bands.
"It's great because some of the bands we were working with at the beginning are now out gigging on their own.
"A couple of the guys that were with us are now studying music technology at West Suffolk College, and are applying what they have learnt with us to their studies. It's nice to think we can influence their careers in that way.
"The sessions are great for people who can't afford private lessons – those opportunities just weren't there before.
He added: "All the tutors have been heavily involved in music for a long time.
"We've had a huge amount of enjoyment from gigging over the years and it's great to pass that on."
Sessions cost 5 each and run during the school term in Thurston, Eye, Debenham and Stowmarket – although the tutors hope to start up new sessions this year – with all-day recording workshops in the holidays.
The scheme also runs 'showcase' gigs in various towns, with a stage at Stowmarket's annual Stow Fest, which Dirk said often attracted a bigger crowd than the main stage.
Details of the workshops are available at www.amplitude.org.uk – where music from some of the bands' music can also be heard.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
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Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
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