14th of November 2005 - Jamie and band break tour schedule to inspire music students
Acclaimed singer songwriter Jamie Cullum visited Sullivan Upper School, Holywood, County Down to give a seminar to music students on song writing and the music industry prior to his sold out Waterfront show on Tuesday November 8.
Jamie, currently touring the world promoting the hugely successful, recently released "Catching Tales" album is a strong supporter of music in schools and hopes to impart some of the unique knowledge he and his band have amassed during their incredible rise to global stardom and multi- million record sales to the students.
The visit was organised with music software company SIBELIUS and local music teacher Gary Myles and comes after a chance conversation with SIBELIUS when Gary was talking to a staff member and heard the, as then un- released Catching Tales record playing in the background. All post primary schools in Northern Ireland use the software to aid students learn composing skills.
Gary mentioned his admiration for the songwriting qualities of Jamie and bass player Geoff Gascoyne and the idea for a school visit was born once it emerged that the band where soon to visit Belfast and were also keen fans of SIBELIUS music software.
Jamie and Geoff talked to about 40 GCSE and A- level students during their visit to Sullivan Upper School, playing some music, hosting a question and answer session and talking about what makes a hit song.
"The visit of Jamie Cullum and Geoff Gascoyne to Sullivan Upper School was a memorable and unique experience for everyone involved. Jamie and Geoff entertained and educated their audience for over an hour; playing, chatting, answering questions and providing an impromptu harmony lesson for four pupils. We heard that Jamie and Geoff use SIBELIUS music software in helping them compose and arrange, something in which the pupils are all currently engaged. To hear that musicians of Jamie and Geoff's calibre are using the same software validates the pupils' work far beyond what a visiting tutor can hope to achieve. In the midst of a busy tour schedule it was incredibly generous for Jamie and Geoff to give up so much of their time, to which all involved are immeasurably grateful."
Gary Myles (Music Technology Support for SEELB)"
"Jamie's visit to Sullivan Upper School was a unique opportunity for both pupils and staff to experience and appreciate, in an informal setting, the live performance of such a young talented musician. Jamie's energy,enthusiasm and love of music was obvious. In the question and answer session he revealed his lack of a formal musical training and the dedicated hours of practice and listening which had led to his own unique individual style. In school we have been developing the use of ICT to assist teaching and learning of music and in particular the use of Sibelius with the GCSE and A Level classes. The pupils were eager to hear how Jamie and his bass player, Geoff, used this software to assist them in their composing and arranging of new songs. A highlight for four of the pupils was the chance to sing with Jamie, providing vocal harmonies in the chorus of one of his songs. This highly exciting and inspirational workshop has left the Music Department on a high all week and even the piano has recovered from being disassembled and stamped on !
Linda Montgomery( Director of Music)"