<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last week, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and Production</a> students performed at their Winter Showcase, performing for their family and friends in the Michael Eavis Performance Suite at Loxton Campus.</p><p>Within the showcase, students performed a variety of pieces to reflect their progression this term, kickstarting the evening with individual performances from Mina and Saynel, followed by sets from bands such as Jaregona, Pulverised, Grimshaw, Killing Whales, Sub Octave, Covered in Bottles, and Bürdwatchers.</p><p>This wide variety of Music genres made for an exciting evening suited to many tastes. Students, staff, friends, and family all came together to enjoy the fantastic tunes and vibes throughout the evening.</p><p>The Michael Eavis Suite reflected a real-life gig, with students adjusting the lighting and sound from behind-the-scenes and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students capturing the evening with professional cameras and a range of angles. This was excellent practice for our students, not only gaining real-world experience, but also improving their adaptability and resilience to new situations.</p><p>Not only did this event build the students confidence, but it also celebrated the progress they have made throughout this term. Students worked hard to put this production together and ensure the seamless execution of it, not only the performers, but the light and sound production team.</p><p>A huge well done to all the students involved, the effort and passion was reflected within each performance, and it was a fantastic event. Also, a big thank you to the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and Production</a> lecturers, this production also would not have been possible without the tireless efforts they dedicated to ensuring the success of the event.</p><p>This Winter Showcase forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and Production</a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This months featured <strong>Alumni Trailblazer</strong> is <strong>James McGuinness</strong>, a former learner who is now a Label Relations Manager for <strong>Youtube</strong>!&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">James was also our Alumni Impact Laureate winner at this year's Celebration of Success, this celebrates our former students who exemplify the very best of the college community and recognises alumni who have achieved excellence in their chosen career path&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">We caught up with James, to find out a bit more about his journey and what he is doing now:&nbsp;</p><p data-start="121" data-end="539">I studied at Weston College from 2000 to 2002, completing a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Music Technology</a>. I look back on my time at the college very fondly – the supportive environment and dedicated tutors played a crucial role in shaping my early ambitions and future career in the music industry. They encouraged creativity, independence, and confidence, which helped me grow both personally and professionally.</p><p data-start="541" data-end="924">The two-year BTEC course was intensive and highly practical, offering hands-on experience across key areas of music production. The skills I gained, from studio techniques to business understanding, provided the perfect foundation for my progression to a degree at Bath Spa University. That grounding firmly set me on the right path to navigating the realities of the music industry.</p><p data-start="926" data-end="1365" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Since leaving the college, I have built a career in artist campaigns, label relations, and digital platform strategy, working alongside major record labels and management teams. I now work as a Label Relations Manager at YouTube Music, collaborating with global artists such as Ed Sheeran, Central Cee, Dua Lipa, and Oasis – a role that continues to challenge and excite me, and one that traces its roots back to my time at Weston College.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>This alumni story forms part of the </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/ceh-creative"><strong>Creative Arts</strong></a><strong> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. &nbsp;</strong></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last week, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and Production</u></a> students got the chance to sit in on a live performance from the band, ‘<strong>The Peripheries</strong>’, and help them record an album within our Michael Eavis Performance suite, which links directly to the HE Recording Studio at Loxton Campus. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>The Peripheries</strong> are an Italian New Wave band with 1980s influences and experimental sounds. With connections to a member of staff at the college, they visited our students and performed for them, giving them the chance to hear a new variation of music that they may not have previously discovered.  &nbsp;</p><p>Our students are trained on top-of-the-range equipment to ensure they are fully equipped with the skills and knowledge required for working in the industry. They not only learn to set up for performances and gigs, but they also learn what to listen for when recording so they can make the correct adjustments. Students were taking charge of the settings on the music decks while other students were behind in the recording studio ensuring that all aspects of the gig were recorded smoothly. &nbsp;</p><p>Giving students the chance to help record an album for the band gives them fantastic, real-world experience and practice working with clients. Not only this, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students also got involved with filming the performance so the band will have a professional album with a high-quality music video created by our students. This provides them with great hands-on experience and allows them to build their portfolio with a new and dynamic project. &nbsp;</p><p>Some students will also assist in editing the raw materials to create the final album. This is a great opportunity to see how to fine-tune recordings to ensure high-quality products that are ready for external audiences. &nbsp;</p><p>Within our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; faculty, students are encouraged to get involved and learn the trade wherever possible. They will often perform at local gigs and festivals with students helping with the set-up and production, acting as sound technicians to ensure to event runs seamlessly. Also, by inviting a range of musicians into the college who have different requests and preferences to enhance their sound helps to broaden the students' knowledge base and better prepare them for working with clients in the industry. &nbsp;</p><p>Whether students are interested in playing music or working as a production technician, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; courses enable students to be versed in every aspect, so they gain a holistic understanding of Music Production. This makes them an integral part of any gig or show as they have a level of experience working behind the scenes. &nbsp;</p><p>Thank you to The Peripheries for joining us on campus and working with our students to give them hands-on experience in the industry. Also, well done to our students for taking on all responsibilities with professionalism and maturity!&nbsp;</p><p>This live performance forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. &nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/professional-music-performance-and-produc…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>