<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; students received an insightful guest lecture about the History of Lighting Control from industry professional, Mike Halstead. This showed our students interested in production about the development of stage lighting and gave them a deeper understanding into how advanced studio lighting technology has improved throughout history.</p><p>Within our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; courses, there is a blend of students who wish to perform, and others who prefer the production aspect, ensuring events run smoothly and the sound and lighting is executed seamlessly. Learning about the history of lighting through demonstrations and a display of vintage lighting equipment allowed our students to gain a practical understanding of how far technology has advanced to improve the efficiency of stage lighting and the modernised technical systems used to control them.</p><p>During the session, Mike discussed his career within the industry, his first-hand experience of the progression from manual control desks to modern technology, and the different types of lights including the challenges that may accompany them for different situations. This knowledge equips students with a broader skillset and a more holistic view of production, enhancing both their technical competence and creative decision-making.</p><p>This insight into the technical and creative evolution behind live performances and studio environments is invaluable to our students who aim to be the future of the industry. By exploring the development from early manual control boards where operators physically adjusted dimmers and switches, to modern digital systems, students gain a deeper appreciation for how precision and flexibility in lighting have transformed production quality.</p><p>A huge thank you to Mike Halstead for taking the time to visit our students, share your extensive knowledge on lighting control, and giving them the opportunity to see vintage lighting equipment and its progression up close.</p><p>This workshop forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; 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="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>