Our music students took part in Battle of the Bands through our partnership with Generator, the North East’s music development agency, with industry professionals forming the judging panel.
Around 43 students across our Level 2 and Level 3 Music Performance courses took part in the event, where they were challenged to write and perform an original song. Each band showcased their songwriting, stagecraft, and collaboration skills in front of industry judges.
The panel included none other than Dean Thompson, award‑winning music producer, record engineer and guitarist for Sam Fender; Chyaro Hylton, Talent Development Coordinator at Generator; and Scarlett Cullen, a Level 4 Enterprise student at the college currently undertaking a placement with Generator.
Dean joined the judging panel as a last‑minute addition and brought an exciting industry‑focused prize: he will produce the winning band’s original song, giving the students a valuable professional recording experience at Loft Studios.
Dean said, “Today I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with the Battle of the Bands at Gateshead College. It’s awesome getting to watch the next wave of musicians coming through.
“It really takes me back to my own college days. That thriving ecosystem of bands forming, experimenting, figuring out what they love, leaving projects, joining new ones.
“Being part of judging the competition, choosing a winner, and then getting to produce the winning band is incredible. It’s an exciting opportunity for me, and hopefully an amazing opportunity for the band too.”
A huge well done to the winning group, ‘Polo’, made up of our Year 1 Level 3 Music Performance students: Ayden, Peter, Josh, Suranne, James, and Seb.
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