FINDING things to do during the school holidays that will keep my two boys aged 10 and 12 occupied (and that won't break the bank) becomes more of a challenge every year. They are also like chalk and cheese so finding something they will both enjoy is always difficult, writes Carol Garrington.
This year however, I rose to the challenge and hit on just the thing. Greenwood Studios is a recording studio based in Cannock, Staffordshire and throughout the summer they put on a range of themed summer workshops.
Morgan (on drums) with his band OMJ at the band creation workshop
Themes ranged from band creation, rock school and pop school to photography, cartoon animation and graffiti.
My eldest son started playing drums a while ago so him and two of his friends spent a week at the band creation workshop where they got to write, compose and record their own song and produce a music video. They also had a professional photo shoot and at the end of the week they performed their song in a concert for family and friends. They were also given a DVD and CD recording of their song.
So in the video above you can see their music debut, they called their band OMJ and wrote a song called 'Rock Tonight'. I think it's awesome but then I am biased.
My younger son is more of a pop fan, so he enrolled in the pop school and spent a week rehearsing for an X Factor style show, which they all performed at the end of the week for family and friends.
What made it even better was that both shows were streamed live on ustream so their grandparents in Cornwall and Wales were able to log on and watch both shows live.
Dylan (back row left) looking cool at pop school
At the end of the summer and in conjunction with the local Council, they also got to perform in an open air concert at Cannock Park called Park Fest.
Both workshops and Park Fest got great coverage in all of our local newspapers so the boys really were famous by the time they returned to school.
Now that the holidays are over, Greenwood Studios are continuing the rock and pop schools, so between 5-7pm during the week each group is practicing for a show that they will perform at Halloween.
It's great because they are mixing with children of all ages and varying talents and experience. The people who run the studio are really enthusiastic and encouraging. I can't believe this gem of a place is right on our doorstep.
Fact Box:
Greenwood Studios is based at Birch Business Park, Progress Drive, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 0JE.
Summer workshops run from Monday to Thursday, 10am – 2pm and cost £50 per child.
Pop School is every Monday from 5-7pm and costs £10 a week.
Rock School is every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7pm and costs £10 a week.
Greenwood Studios also provide lots of other facilities including studio hire, music lessons, birthday parties and photography. There's more information on their website.
Related posts:
