Deutsche Bank UPBeat about schools' music!

Deutsche Bank today announced that they are to sponsor a series of primary school workshops by the UPbeats on their forthcoming visit to Guernsey.

The UPbeats are an all-female percussion ensemble whose members met at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where they were awarded the 2003 Pyramid Award from Deutsche Bank.

Lucy Athow, a percussion teacher with the Guernsey Music Service, is a founder member of the UPbeats and, with the support of The St James Youth Promotions Trust, has arranged the concert at St James on Tuesday, 13th July. The group will perform their wide and varied concert repertoire, from standard ensemble works and traditional African drumming, to brand new works and own arrangements.

However, Lucy points out, "We have a passion for working and making music with children and workshops form as important a part of our public appearances as concerts. Each workshop is tailored to the requirements of the groups involved and includes a short performance by the UPbeats where the pupils each get an opportunity for some "hands on" experience. We are hoping to involve groups from four different schools, each performing a prepared piece on stage during the evening concert.

"We initially offered our services to a number of local schools but for some funding at this stage of the year was a difficulty. However, with the support of Deutsche Bank locally we are now able to take our music to Amherst, Vauvert, Forest and La Mare de Carteret Primary Schools."

Gerry Morrissey, Managing Director of Deutsche Bank in Guernsey, commented, "We were delighted to learn of the local connection with the winners of a Deutsche Bank Pyramid award. These musicians have a common goal and share a commitment to urge their charges to go further, dig deeper and aim higher with a passion to meet and even exceed their potential.

"That same passion drives us as a Bank to help our clients reach their financial goals and in these performers we are supporting a group of people whose ideals echo our own. We are thrilled to assist in bringing their skills and enthusiasm to our local children"