Thanks to VB Friend and contributor, Roger Regular, for this article following the development of students at Platform One, the Island’s music college. Ed
I have supported and had the privilege of following the music students at Platform One for the last four years or more. The standard of the students certainly remains at a high level.
This year, as last year, had the students performing their latest newly taught skills and honing their talent at the Island’s favourite micro venue; The Wight Rock Bar (Wednesday for the 1st years and Thursday for the 2nd years).
To see the improvement of the 1st year students after only three weeks is breath-taking, the teachers at Platform One must be so excited at turning up for work each day to work their students; and they work-them-and-push-them hard.
We can all pick a few out as exceptional talent and those who should have a good future in the music industry, but that is not taking anything away from the other students, as they are all talented and committed to the course work.
Then imagine how good the second and third year students are.
On 30th August at the Wight Rock Bar, Shaun and Debs worked wonders keeping the wheels in motion. The students did a fantastic job all night.
Then as usual, the Platform One teachers (performing under the name of The Project) performed their amazing jazz based set.
As all weeks, they have a student or students to perform with them; usually with only half an hour rehearsal (I said they work them hard).
This week was Seb’s turn, who is a very confident and able student, a
great front man, so well done to him.
To me, the Brandy soaked cherry on the milky white icing on the gateaux foundation was the Projects set, with the brass section of the band performing so slick; they were so tight; you couldn’t get a cigarette paper between them.
All the band members are so talented (I suppose this is why most of them are teachers of music) but the brass section has been increased to include a third year student on Sax, Ben, he is a great addition to the band.
This is why I felt moved enough to write about the evening. I just wished I could watch this every day.
I hope I can get there tonight (Thursday to see the 2nd year students) if not, I will be there next week, can’t wait.
Forthcoming events
Just a couple of events coming up at the best micro venue in the
world; 16th Oct, Proximity Effect (pictured) with support from The City Calls and Bright As Vegas (EP launch) free entry
23rd Oct, Nicole Fermie (sings for Goldfrapp) with support from Vanzatti (your chance to see this great IOW band. This will be a good night! £2 entry
30th Oct, Spit Like This; wow, I don’t know how the Wight Rock Bar got these but it is true, Spit Like This are really coming here, if you fancy a bit of rocky horror show entertainment, then be there, you will not be disappointed. Not sure of cost.
