The HSDC Alton Jazz Band is an anarchic collective that performs a wide range of ‘in yer face ‘ music from jazz standards. Additionally, students can enter competitions, participate in poetry slams or simply share their work with each other. Students are encouraged to develop and shape their skills to write poetry, short stories and non-fiction texts. Weekly lunchtime workshops for those who enjoy writing creatively. Any composers in the ensemble will work towards an RSL Level 3 Music Practitioner Composers Extended Certificate. In 2011/12 Richard was composer in residence for the National Youth Orchestra and Hannah won the BBC Proms Young Composer competition. Richard is now studying composition at the Royal Academy of Music, whilst Alex & Hannah are studying composition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Recently, student compositions by Richard Hames, Hannah Dilkes and Alex Ling featured in the ensemble’s repertoire. The Composers Ensemble focuses on the performance of student compositions. Students interview and video what’s happening around campus and have their own voice on the student-created, vibrant website. The Alternative is our student online magazine, where students can share their work and opinions with the local community.Ĭalling all budding journalists, business brains, designers and creative bods! If you are interested in publishing either from a creative writing perspective or you just want to learn the basics, then our student magazine needs your contribution. Every year, early in the summer term, members of the choir take part in the College’s annual ‘Sing it from Scratch’ event. In the second term, we will divide into different ensembles such as Chamber Choir, Barbershop and Rock Choir.
Recently the choir sang Bob Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass with an ensemble and Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle in Winchester Cathedral.ĭuring the first term, you will be part of a full SATB choir. ChoirsĬhoral Society / Rock Choir / Chamber Choir / BarbershopĪ fun ensemble offering the opportunity to perform large choral works, with an orchestra, at least twice a year. During the spring term, there will be opportunities to divide into smaller ensembles, such as a string group and a wind ensemble, in order to explore different repertoire. During the first term, we will play as an orchestra. Rehearsals take place in an informal and relaxed atmosphere, preparing music for a number of concerts throughout the year. This ensemble is for all string players, together with assorted wind, brass and percussion players. In the summer, together with the Alton Campus Jazz Band, they tour a number of pub gardens in the surrounding area! Chamber Orchestra As well as playing in the usual end of term concert, recently they have played at the Swanage Jazz Festival, the Hawkley Beer Festival and a number of local Jazz Cafés. The Big Band plays a number of gigs throughout the academic year. Most wind and brass instruments are welcome, together with drummers, bass players, guitarists and keyboardists/pianists. Rehearsals take place in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. We explore the contemporary big band repertoire. However, students wishing to be involved in other aspects of the production process (design and stage management), are invited to step forward to keep up the company’s strong reputation for high quality productions. You will be expected to attend additional rehearsals in order to achieve the high production values the company has set for itself over the years.Īn ‘open’ audition is held at the start of the autumn term for students wishing to perform in the set production at the end of December. If you thrive on being part of a highly committed and dedicated creative team, then this could be for you. It is an opportunity to work as a performer, a designer, props, stage manager, etc. The HSDC Alton Theatre Company has a long history of highly successful productions to its name.