The musical and performing talents of young people in Southampton have been boosted with the launch today of a new recording studio at the African Caribbean Centre, based in the Newtown area of the city.
The African Caribbean Centre has linked up with Southampton Institute in the building of the studio, which was officially opened by the Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Edwina Cooke. Guests attending the launched were treated to musical performances, including the youth steel band 'Caribbean Lights'.
Through the Higher Education Active Community Fund (HEACF), Southampton Institute assisted in the building of the new studio, which will work in conjunction with the mixing room enabling young people to record their music. Student volunteers from the Institute will help young people to use the mixing and recording equipment.
It is envisaged that this will help the Centre's youth to produce recordings that are of a high quality that can be broadcast on community radio.
Tony Broomes, Development Officer at the African Caribbean Centre, comments:
"We hope to build on the success of performing arts at the Centre with the introduction of the recording studio. We have installed up-to-date equipment, which allow us to do the job of improving the musical and singing talents of the kids. It will be a good example of the success of the work carried out by young people."
Dr Steve Lake, Widening Participation Manager at Southampton Institute, adds:
"Southampton Institute is very happy to have made a contribution to the Africa Caribbean Centre through money from HEACF. This is a great volunteering opportunity for our students to get involved in a performing art activity and it will help them to develop their own skills. As we are based in the heart of the city, we are making sure that what we do at Southampton Institute benefits the community."
The African Caribbean Centre facilitates its own projects and activities for young people, a number of which are music and drama based. Southampton Institute has worked closely with the Centre on various projects in the past, including Urban Flava 2003 and its youth steel band played at the Institute's 'Celebration of Volunteering' day.
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