A MAJOR investment in music is in the pipeline for Tavistock College ? and it has sparked a fantastic ?party in the park? live event planned for this summer. The music project will see a complete refurbishment of the school?s hall, with the installation of removable tiered seating and improved acoustics for the stage and auditorium. New equipment will enable live music to be recorded from the stage ? and new state-of-the-art facilities will enable music to be mixed, edited and recorded. There will be improved rehearsal space and individual recording areas for use by the college ? and community groups. Colin Eves, college principal, said the news was ?very exciting? for the school ? and the Tavistock area. He said: ?Since I have been at the college it has become very evident that we have a number of very talented folk and rock groups who really deserve better facilities to improve their skills and to perform. ?We will be working alongside Tavistock Music Live and Tavistock Forward on this project, to ensure we are capitalising on all the knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm and commitment of these hard-working community groups.? The music project is being funded partly by the college and partly by fundraising. To launch the fundraising campaign, Tavistock College PTAs are organising a huge live music event on the school fields on July 2. The line-up of performers is still in the planning stage, but Mr Eves said it would include a wide range of bands and groups to appeal to all musical tastes. He said: ?We are also hoping that the event will be hosted by a local music station. ?We expect to be looking at an audience of around 1,500 ? there will be external caterers and various stalls as well ? it?s going to be a real community event. ?The college senate is taking a leading role in organising the programme of performers and I am thrilled the students have shown the commitment and enthusiasm for an event of this size. ?I certainly see this as building on the success of Tavistock Sings and Tavistock Music Festival and we are grateful to have support and advice from both in presenting this event, which we hope will become a regular feature, attracting performers from across the region.? Peter Jones, chairman of Tavistock Music Live, said he was delighted the project to create a proper music centre was moving forward. ?It?s great news, absolutely superb. It?s going to be of huge benefit, not just to the students at the college but to community groups in the area as well. ?It?s wonderful ? I am very pleased indeed,? Mr Jones said Tavistock Music Live was now working with the college to come up with detailed costings for the plans. A committee has been formed to organise the Tavistock College party in the park. It will meet on Thursday March 2 at 6pm at the school. Anyone who would like to get involved or who can offer help with organisation, stewarding, technical support, sponsorship, fundraising or artistic advice should e-mail Angela Thomas at the college on angelathomas@tavistockcollege. devon.sch.uk
