AWESOME! That was the verdict from students at Tavistock College, after folk-rock musician Seth Lakeman performed up close and personal for them last Friday. More than 200 students watched Seth in the main hall of the college for a 20 minute performance during both lunchtimes. The event was part of National Music Week ? involving 1.3 million students, 2,000 schools and ten artists. Before it started David Jones, a year 13 student, said: ?It?s good to see he?s coming back to his old school. It proves he still remembers.? While Alec Neve, year 9, said: ?He is a fantastic musician ? it?s brilliant to see him at school.? Seth was greeted with screams and rounds of applause from the students. He started his performance off with Lady of the Sea, moving onto his new single White Hare and old favourite Kitty Jay. Students were asked to be especially quiet during the second performance by teacher Eva Pemberton. Seth had no microphone ? he used just a violin, mandolin and his foot for rhythm, and the youngsters were told they would miss out on the privilege of hearing him perform if there was too much noise. It was great to see the students so engaged by Seth?s passionate performance ? which was being followed by a TV crew. When he finished, the youngsters ambushed Seth for autographs and clamoured for the chance to talk to him, before he was whisked away to join year 10 music students for the last lesson of the day, a question and answer session about his career. One student asked if he got worried when on stage performing? Seth told the class: ?It?s a weird thing to do, I just focus and get in the zone. You suddenly look out and think ??oh? ? it?s a weird experience and an adrenaline rush.? They grilled him about his music taste, what song was his favourite, which ones he found difficult, the bands he liked, and about his style and structure of song writing. Seth ended the lesson with a treat ? a song, specially performed to the class of 30. Music teacher, Jonathan Bint, said: ?It?s wonderful he is so keen to come back to his old stamping ground. ?It?s inspirational to these pupils, especially if they want to go down the same road as Seth. ?He is a model to the students and encourages them to listen to a broader range of music.? After the question and answer session the Times was able to steal some of Seth?s precious time from his busy schedule, before he had to be in Plymouth for another concert. He said: ?It was nice to see the children mesmerised when I played, they looked like they really enjoyed it. ?It has been really enjoyable to be a part of National Music Week as I think it?s important for students to broaden their music taste ? and see it?s not all like the X-Factor.? So what is a life of increasing fame like for him now? ?I?m just growing with it every day and enjoying the attention I get ? I am buzzing all around the country,? said Seth. ?It can be hard sometimes as I am working 24/7, I really miss out on life here but I can?t complain. ?Coming back gives me a good chance to see the school and how much it has changed ? although it is a shame I couldn?t see Mr Mann, my old music teacher.? Seth has just completed his UK tour, in which he played 13 gigs, and performed for four days in Canada. On Monday he left the UK once more, headed to Italy for another tour. After the concerts, college principal Colin Eves said: ?We are delighted that Seth has visited the school once again and it?s always good fun to have lunchtime concerts. ?Seth is a huge success, and motivates and encourages the students. His time was much appreciated by staff and students.? The students paid 50p to enter the concert, raising money for the Ndeeba School in Uganda, which Tavistock College has supported for many years. The ?School?s Top 10? event was part of the music industry joining with schools to broaden student?s music taste. Nine artists, including Lil? Chris, from the Rock School programme, Natasha Marsh and Matt Willis formerly of Busted, have also been going back to their old schools. Seth?s new single ?White Hare? was released on October 16. His official website is http://www.sethlakeman.co.uk">www.sethlakeman.co.uk
