Members of the Rock and Pop Institute at King James have recently enjoyed an evening of live music at The Sage in Gateshaed.

The Rock and Pop Institute was officially launched at King James in September 2017 with a grant of £28,000 from the Arts Council. The grant initially allowed the Academy to purchase brand new instruments and equipment, but it will also allow the Institute to operate as a free facility for at least two years.

The Institute, which is the first of its kind in the County Durham area, provides an opportunity for young people with an interest in the music industry, to get together and develop skills in performance, composing and technical production through a variety of practical recording projects. Run by qualified teachers, who are all talented musicians themselves, the 28 members benefit from a broad range of knowledge and experience.

Current members, who attend different secondary schools in the area including Whitworth Park, Bishop Barrington, Parkside, Wolsingham and King James enjoyed 'The Rock Show' at The Sage. The show was carefully chosen by Mr Smith, our Director of Learning for Music, due the diversity of the set presented by the touring "super group', which is made up of professional musicians from both the USA and UK. The evening was a huge success, with Institute members both impressed and inspired by the quality of the music, the sound and stage lighting and of course by the stunning venue.