City of Stoke-on-Trent
City Council Cultural Development Team:
- Pete Courtie, Cultural Development Officer Tel. 01782 232323 E-mail: pete.courtie@stoke.gov.uk
- Paul Bailey, Arts Development Officer Tel. 01782 232548 E-mail: paul.bailey@stoke.gov.uk
- Peta Murphy-Burke Tel. 01782 232548 E-mail: peta.murphy-burke@stoke.gov.uk
City Music and Performing Arts Service:
Details under 'Education'
What's distinctive about music in Stoke-on-Trent?
- Hanley's Cultural Quarter is the main focus in the sub-region for international quality opera and symphonic music, with regular appearances by major orchestras such as the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic at the Victoria Hall and opera companies such as Glyndebourne Touring at the Regent Theatre.
- North Staffordshire retains some of its traditional strengths such as male voice choirs and brass bands, but there has been some decline in recent years in interest in choral music.
- There are surprisingly few informal live music venues for a city of its size, with some reported decline in recent years and only a few venues with strong music programmes. This means there are few well-known bands coming into the area, with a consequent insularity. There is no venue regularly promoting acoustic music in informal settings.
- The area has a range of private sector rehearsal and recording studio facilities, but these are too expensive for many musicians especially young bands. Nevertheless there are approximately 200 established bands in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle, of which 160 have at least one band member in the 14-25 age range. Bands and musicians have not had structured support to get their music outside the area, but initiatives such as Upstart have been put in place to develop the area's links with the music industry.
- There is a lack of safe, affordable provision for under-18s, not enough suitable practice studios and very few venues where under-18s are able to perform and listen to bands.
- There is increasing interest in developing the potential of the local music scene with initiatives to help young people gain make music industry contacts and a growing profile for local independent labels such as SONS Records and the growing number of recording studios in the area.
- There are educational strengths in music technology with specialist FE courses at Stoke College which also serves students from neighbouring areas.
Stoke-on-Trent can be proud of:
Planet Sound Community Arts aims to provide and develop the arts across the communities of north Staffordshire and to support the local artistic community. Typical projects include the Planet Sound Drum School, the Access all Areas project and Carnival programmes Each year the group works with thousands of young people in a range of settings, including youth centres, schools and day centres, in partnership with youth services, venues and festivals, local and international artists and both Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle local authorities.
Many of Planet Sound's projects culminate in performances including large-scale showcase events in the Victoria Hall, Hanley. The most recent, Spectrums of Sound at the Victoria Hall in November 2007, was the biggest and best attended showcase to date. Extra seating was added to the venue to accommodate the demand for tickets, with over 160 performers involved in the show from all over north Staffordshire.
Possible development areas:
- There are limited rehearsal facilities and informal performance spaces, and a need for better facilities for young people's music activity.
- There is scope for development of music as an area of the creative economy, linked to strengths of local universities and strategies in north Staffordshire for creative industries development.
Interesting example of music activity locally:
Unity offers services for young people and for voluntary organisations and local authority run services, including music, sport and creative media. The not-for-profit company aims to address and tackle social problems that disadvantaged young people face through creative activities: "We want to capture the energy of young people and transform that into something positive that teaches positivity amongst other young people".
Activities include various music workshops (DJ, rap, music tech, artwork etc), workshops for schools, colleges and community groups, and advisory and signposting service for young people. A music studio and rehearsal room are available for use by young people aged 16 - 21. Unity also runs a Creative Academy, offering ten week programmes for young people aged 16-18 who are NEET (Not in employment, education or training). Unity is a partner, with the City Council's Youth Service and Neo 2 Soul, in the City Youth Music Awards, a yearly event which celebrates and recognizes musical talent in the area.
Unity's work has been supported by the City Council, Connexions, the Youth Justice Board, Arts Council England.
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Stoke-on-Trent Festival
4-6 Piccadilly Arcade
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1DL
Tel. 01782 206000 Fax: 01782 273489
Contact Mike Lloyd: E-mail: Michael.lloyd@btconnect.com
http://www.stokeontrentfestival.co.uk/Index.asp?Key=1&Cat=1
Promoter of an annual season of classical concerts. In 2007-08 there are nine orchestral concerts including four with the BBC Philharmonic, three with the Hallé including the orchestra's 150th Anniversary concert and two from the CBSO at the Victoria Hall, and five solo piano recitals at The Forum Theatre.
Axis Festival
4-6 Piccadilly Arcade
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1DL Tel. 01782 777788 http://www.axisfestival.co.uk/
E-mail: sara@axisfestival.co.uk
City-wide arts festival, started 2007. Topping the bill in May 2008 will be The Wombats, but also Humphrey Littleton, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, a piano recital by Martin Roscoe, and an Acoustic Roots Fringe Festival in Burslem and free music talks, lectures, and workshops for local bands. Venues include the Victoria Hall, Fat Cats Café Bar, The Underground, and The Sugarmill in Hanley, and The Glebe in Stoke,
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Forum Theatre
(within the) Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Bethesda Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 3DW
Tel. 01782 232323
Lecture theatre used for piano recitals promoted by Stoke-on-Trent Festival and other occasional concerts.
Mitchell Memorial Theatre
Broad Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 4HG
Tel. 01782 235411 Fax: 01782 235411
http://www.sgfl.org.uk/mitchell_theatre
Seats 380. Purpose-built proscenium arch theatre, opened 1957.Main venue for amateur and youth theatre in the city. Established through a public fund with the local authority acting as Holding Trustees.
Queen's Theatre
Wedgwood Street
Burslem
Stoke-on-Trent
ST6 4JH
Tel. 01782 825800
http://www.queenstheatreburslem.com/
Theatre manager: Steve Ball
General information: E-mail: info@queenstheatreburslem.com
Seats 1,000. Oldest surviving purpose-built theatre in north Staffordshire. Occasional use for musicals and concerts.
The Regent Theatre
Piccadilly
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
www.theambassadors.com/regent/info/index.html
The sub-region's leading lyric theatre. Seats 1,600 (stalls and circle). Originally opened in 1929 as an art deco cinema. Closed in 1989, and re-opened following major refurbishment in 1999. Now a number one touring venue, presenting the largest touring productions including opera, ballet, contemporary dance, and musicals. Distinguished as Glyndebourne Touring Opera's main venue in the midlands/north of England. Managed, with the Victoria Hall, by Ambassador Theatre Group on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Theatre
Leek Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 2TR
Tel. 01782 392435 Fax: 01782 235411
www.stokerep.org.uk
Seats 250. Purpose-built proscenium arch theatre, opened 1998. Owned and managed by an amateur drama company. Occasional use for musicals and concerts.
Stoke Town Hall
Glebe Street
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 1RT
Tel. 01782 232832
Includes Jubilee Hall (built 1850, holds up to 250 with ornate ceilings, stained glass windows and large dance floor) and Kings Hall (built 1910, holds up to 450 people dining, 1,300 theatre style). Managed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Victoria Hall
Bagnall Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 3AD
www.theambassadors.com/victoriahall/info/index.html
The sub-region's principal concert venue, noted for its excellent acoustics for choral and orchestral music. Seats 1,350 (or 1,700 with some standing). Superb Victorian concert hall opened 1888 which was refurbished and extended in 1998 with the addition of new foyers and an atrium entrance. Large four manual concert organ. Varied music programme ranging from KT Tunstall to regular symphonic concerts by e.g. Hallé Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Also other events such as light entertainment and comedy. Managed, with the Regent Theatre, by Ambassador Theatre Group on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Principal gig venues
The Sugarmill
Brunswick Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1DR
Tel. 01782 214991
http://www.thesugarmill.co.uk/news.php
The Underground
Morley Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 4AH
Tel. 01782 219944
www.myspace.com/theundergroundstoke
The Glebe
35 Glebe St
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 1HG
Tel. 01782 844600
http://www.myspace.com/theglebelive
Staffordshire University
(Stoke site)
Ember Lounge (College Road campus) and LRV (Leek Road) are Staffordshire University Students Union venues. LRV is the Students Union's largest venue with 1300 capacity.
http://www.staffsunion.com/venues/lrv/
Other key venues for local bands include the Rigger (Newcastle), and increasingly the formerly folk Brown Jug. Fat Cats (Trinity Street, Hanley) is a central venue for rappers, DJs and MCs. Other venues mentioned include: Harry's Bar (Stoke), The Duke of Wellington (Stoke), The Red Lion (Fenton), King's Hall (Stoke), The New Inn (Hanley), The Cheshire Cheese, The Leopard (Market Place, Burslem), The George Hotel (Swan Square, Burslem) and The Corner Cupboard. A new larger venue „The Bandstand' is reported to be opening soon on Marsh Street Hanley.
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Crafty: The Scene Magazine
Editor: Gareth Thomas Tel. 01782 612452
E-mail: craftymag@hotmail.co.uk www.myspace.com/craftymag
Launched September 2007. Monthly free gigs listings magazine serving north Staffordshire and south Cheshire.
Music Mania
4-6 Piccadilly Arcade, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1DL.
Tel. 01782 206000
http://www.musicmaniauk.com/about.php
Leading local independent shop and ticket agency selling tickets for venues including The Sugarmill, The Underground and other local and regional venues. Includes listings of local bands and venues.
BBC Radio Stoke
http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/entertainment/music/index.shtml
For Subculture: http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/subculture/index.shtml and www.myspace.com/bbcsubculture; contacts Andy and Dave
The Evening Sentinel
www.thisisthesentinel.co.uk
Local daily evening newspaper.
Upstart
www.upstartstoke.com
New site launched Feb. 2008, with listings of artists, bands, and other contacts. Already achieving over 1,000 hits per day.
Stoke Sounds
www.stokesounds.co.uk
New site set 2006 up by local musicians that aims to connect and promote the range of talent across North Staffs.
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Bullet Sound
Tel. 01785 761761
www.bulletsound.com
Staffordshire's leading PA company, based in Stoke-on-Trent. PA equipment hire for festivals, concerts, gigs; PA sales; lighting; stages.
Direct Sound Hire
Tel. 01782 596666
Local P.A Hire for all types of events. Low prices and quality service. Hire equipment to bands, schools/colleges, DJ's and can hire equipment for any type of event including sports events. Stoke on Trent based.
Kay's Music
8 Hope St Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 5BS
Tel. 01782 212183
http://www.kaysmusic.co.uk/
E-mail kaysmusicshop@yahoo.co.uk
Established 1948. Musical instruments, repairs & sheet music. General guitar repairs service available.
Pianoforte
68 Millrise Road
Stoke-on-Trent
Tel: 01782-570539
Email: pianoforte@pianoforteonline.co.uk
WebSite: www.pianoforteonline.co.uk
New and second-hand pianos. Restoration of all types of upright and grand pianos. Bluthner and Bechstein specialists.
Rattle & Drum
16-25 Hillchurch St
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 2EX
Tel. 0845 3754632, 01782 213222
http://www.rattleanddrum.com/
Drum and percussion specialists (branch of Derby based company).
The Rhythm House
21-23 Hope St,
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent,
ST1 5BT
Tel: 01782 266897
Contact: Neil Ogden, owner and musician
http://www.therhythmhouse.co.uk/
Guitars, bass, drums, PA; Guitar and drum tuition.
Sound Control
16-22 Hillchurch St
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 2EX
Tel. 01782 205100 Fax. 01782 206002
Musical instruments and sheet music. Noticeboard/informal networking.
N.J Tostevin & Son
491 Hartshill Road
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST4 6AA
Tel. 01782 617 081
www.tostevinspianos.co.uk
Contact: Roger Tostevin
Piano stockists of distinction - new and reconditioned pianos, sales and service
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Synth Repair Services
Unit 22, Shelton Enterprise Centre
Bedford St, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4PZ
Tel. 01782 262611
http://www.synthrepairservices.com/
E-mail: info@synthrepairservices.com
Contact: James Walker.
Restore and repair vintage analogue musical equipment.
Dominic Ball Woodwind Ltd (and North Staffs Woodwind and Brass)
1A Lovatt St, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7RW
Tel. 01782 744405
http://www.dominicball.co.uk/
Specialists in repair and servicing of wind instruments; also sale of new wind and brass through linked company North Staffs Woodwind and Brass.
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M Alexander
101 Richmond St, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7DZ
Tel: 01782 744154
www.pianotuner.uk.com
E-mail: mark@pianotuner.uk.com
Piano tuning
T J Butters
8 Sackville St, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6HX
Tel. 01782 662143
Piano tuning and repairs
Mount Pleasant Piano Services
200 Boothen Old Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4EZ
Tel. 01782 747879
Piano tuning and repairs
M J Syson
6 Langham Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 7DP
Tel. 01782 545945; Mobile 07715 155673
www.sysonpianos.co.uk
E-mail: michael@sysonpianos.co.uk
Piano tuning and repairs
N.J Tostevin & Son
491 Hartshill Road Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire ST4 6AA
Tel. 01782 617 081
www.tostevinspianos.co.uk
Contact: Roger Tostevin
Piano stockists of distinction - new and reconditioned pianos, sales and service
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Bad Apple Studios
Unit 4D, Far Green Industrial Estate, Chell Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6AZ
Tel: 07930 197563
"Best practice rooms in area". 16 track digital recording; equipment hire; two rooms available, one venue
Big Dan Digital Recording Studios
Based in Stoke-on-Trent
Tel. 01782 316500 (daytime 01782 544700)
http://www.bigdan.com
E-mail: info@tonymckenzie.com
Utilises the latest technology in Digital Multi Track Recording and mixing. The studio regularly records CD masters and makes product from first recording sessions to the completed product including all artwork. The studio is operated on a non-profit making basis by real musicians, engineered by Tony McKenzie.
BMS Studios
108 Victoria Road, Stoke-on-Trent,
ST4 2JX.
Tel: 01782 849600
Recording Studios
The Conservatory Rehearsal Rooms
Watling House, Sutherland St, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4HS
Tel. 01782 744600
http://www.theconservatoryrehearsalroom.co.uk/
Opened 2005. Two studios and recording equipment.
Cosmic Studios /Goldphone Recordings/Silence Studios www.cosmicstudios.co.uk
www.myspace.com/jonaldersea
Professional recording and mastering services, analogue and digital, also location and mobile recording. Silence Studio is a fully equipped recording studio in the grounds at Trentham (details listed under Stafford Borough)
Lizard Lounge Studio
Contact Alex Mob. 07957 914912
http://www.myspace.com/lizardloungestudio
Recording studio; all genres catered for; on-site mastering facilities.
Platinum Recording Studio
39, Chesterwood Rd, Acres Wood, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 7EL
Tel: 01782 417471
www.platinum-recording-studio.co.uk Music studios and practice rooms
Prism Recording Studios
Ephraim St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 3SH
Tel: 01782 563149
http://www.prismstudios.co.uk/
Sound recording services. "Staffordshire's most popular recording facility for the last 15 years". Analogue equipment as well as state of the art digital set up. Large live recording area with superb natural acoustics.
Startrak Studios
27 Liverpool Rd
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1AW
Tel. 01782 416312
Music studios and practice rooms
Studio Q
Based at: Queensberry Youth Centre
Queensberry Rd, Normacot,
Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1QZ
Tel. 01782 235660
Subsidised recording studios and rehearsal space. Free of charge, or at nominal cost, for young people.
Sub Sound Studio
54, Oxford St, Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7EE
Tel: 01782 416306
http://www.sub-sound.co.uk/
Music studios and practice rooms
Toilets Rehearsal Studios
4 Hill St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1NL
Tel: 01782 503084 / 07973 253542
http://www.toiletsrehearsalstudios.com
"Stoke's premier rehearsal studios". Three studios plus equipment to hire.
Tremolo Studio
Unit 6 Crown House, Oldmill St, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 2RP
Tel: 01782 749989
Six music studios and practice rooms
Unity
See entry under Community Music
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CP Recordings
PO Box 2253, Stoke on Trent ST4 7WP
www.cprecordings.com
E-mail: cprecordings@cprecordings.com
Contact: David Oldfield, Label Manager
Dance music record label set up in early 2003. Progressive, tech-house and breaks tracks by new and established artists.
Fulmination Records
http://www.fulminationrecords.co.uk/
E-mail: info@fulminationrecords.co.uk
Independent record label
SONS Ltd (Soul of North Staffordshire)
13 Hillchurch Street, Hanley,
Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2EZ
http://www.thesoulofnorthstaffsltd.co.uk/
E-mail: info@thesoulofnorthstaffsltd.co.uk
Independent music recording and publishing label, set up in 2004. In January 2007, the label pulled off a major coup when three of its bands hit the top fifteen of the Indie Charts. Currently meeting considerable success including profiling local bands, and showcases of indie, rock and northern soul are held at local venues. SONS Records released four singles simultaneously into the charts on 24 March 2008 (This is Seb Clarke - Rock 'n' Roll Alamo Pt 7 (Did you see them go?), The Title - Madman, The Novellos - The Lady is Not for Turning, and Raphaels - Charming Man) available online through HMV and Recordstore.co.uk and in HMV stores nationwide.
Sound Foundation
13 Bucknall New Road,
Hanley,
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 2BA
Tel: 01782 207235 (No Contact Name available)
Record Company.
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Upstart
Contact: Sarah Austin
E-mail: feedback@upstartstoke.com
www.upstartstoke.com
New project to develop the music scene locally. Upstart will help advise, guide and mentor bands who want to take their music beyond local pubs and clubs and develop contacts with the music industry. The project will deliver a variety of services, including a free management and PR consultancy.
The project aims to improve opportunities for performers by helping to nurture a thriving music scene and it will also pass on expert industry knowledge through workshops, seminars and talks. The Upstart website will be promoted to record labels, publishers and agents.
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BBC Radio Stoke
Cheapside, Hanley, Stoke on Trent ST1 1JJ
Tel: 01782 208080; Fax: 01782 289115
www.bbc.co.uk/stoke
E-mail: stoke@bbc.co.uk
BBC local radio station. 94.6 FM & 1503kHz AM. What's on listings on air and on website. Send gig info and demos. SUBCulture is weekly programme for local unsigned bands including gig guide.
Signal 1170 / Signal FM
Studio 257 67 Stoke Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2SR
Tel: 01782 747047; Fax: 01782 744110
www.signalone.co.uk
Independent Local Radio. Staffordshire and Cheshire.
96.4 MHz; 102.6MHz FM; 1170 kHz AM
Broadcasting since 1983. Send gig listings a week in advance. Supports local bands and events such as annual Music Festival, Battle of the Bands and other live music promotions.
Other locally-based broadcasters include:
Cross Rhythms City Radio
Conway House, Cheapside, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1HE
Tel. 08700 118008
Contact: admin@crossrhythms.co.uk
www.crossrhythms.co.uk/radio
Local community Christian radio station broadcasting on 101.8FM in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme and on the net. The ethos of City Radio is to be a community station that is underpinned by Christian values but driven by local issues. Launched 2002.
Trent Radio (Stoke) Ltd
Building 103, Unit 10, Campbell Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 4DD
Tel: 01782 747047; Fax: 01782 744110
Contact: Verity Hilton, Station Manager
UCB
Hanchurch Christian Centre, Hanchurch, Stoke on Trent, ST4 8RY
Christian broadcasting on DAB and internet.
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Planet Sound Community Arts
Cartwright House, Mitchell Memorial Theatre,
Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4EU
Tel. 01782 268780
http://www.planetsound-arts.co.uk/
E-mail: welcome@planetsound-arts.co.uk
Not-for-profit company formed 1998. Aims to provide and develop the arts across the communities of north Staffordshire and to support the local artistic community. Initially work focused on community music, Planet Sound's work has broadened to include other arts. Planet Sound works across north Staffordshire in a range of settings, including youth centres, schools and day centres. The organisation has on-going outreach projects across the community, including long term music projects set up in high schools in Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle and at the Arch Day Centre. The group works with the Youth Music Action Zone, the youth services, venues and festivals across the area, local and international artists and the councils of both Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle Borough. Many of Planet Sound's projects culminate in performances at local and regional venues including a large-scale showcase event in the Victoria Hall.
Soul Monkey Ltd
Contact: Melodie Forrester
Unit 112
Staffordshire Business Village
72 Leek Road
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2AR
Mob.07949 066 706
Tel.01782 442 923
www.soulmonkey.co.uk
E-mail: melodie@soulmonkey.co.uk
Community Music Development work. "We are passionate about making people happy, we believe in music and creativity as a way of enhancing people's lives..."
Unity
Contact: Matt Wilcox
3B Palmerston Street Joiners Square Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3EU
Tel. 01782 206392
E-Mail: matt@unitystoke.co.uk www.myspace.com/unityorg
www.unitystoke.co.uk
Services for young people including music, sport and creative media. Aims to tackle social problems that disadvantaged young people face through creative activities. Activities include music workshops (DJ, rap, music tech, artwork etc), workshops for schools, colleges and community groups, and advisory and signposting service for young people. Unity also runs a Creative Academy, offering ten week programmes for young people aged 16-18 who are not in employment, education or training. Facilities include music studio and rehearsal room.
Unity is a partner, with the City Council's Youth Service and Neo 2 Soul, in the City Youth Music Awards, a yearly event which celebrates and recognises musical talent in the area.
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Centenary Amateur Operatic Society
Performing G & S operettas at the Mitchell Memorial Theatre since 1977.
Ceramic Brass Band
Contacts: Administrator
Tel. 01782 314742
E-mail: ceramicbrassband@yahoo.co.uk
Chairman 0776 8781159
http://www.ceramicbrassband.co.uk/
Musical Director: Stewart Thompson BA(Hons) CT,VCM MNCMSoc. Ceramic Brass Band ("The UK's newest and friendliest band') was launched in April 2007 and has grown from 5 players to 21-23 players. The Stoke-on-Trent area has only a few brass bands now, but during the 1950s there were over 30 bands with most of the collieries having their own Brass Band. Ceramic Brass Band was set up to provide an outlet for the talents of local musicians especially those who have left or outgrown the County and City Schools Music system. Rehearsals are at Staffordshire University, College Road site.
Ceramic City Choir
www.ceramiccitychoir.org.uk
E-mail: enquiries@ceramiccitychoir.org.uk
Chorus Master & Musical Director: Geoffrey Walker. The Ceramic City Choir is seeking to appoint a musical director, to commence in mid 2008. Largest choral society in north Staffordshire with over 100 members; principal venue is the Victoria Hall. Founded 1942 under the conductorship of Sir Malcolm Sargent. The Choir specialises in performing major choral works with renowned professional orchestras and top vocal soloists. It traditionally performs three major concerts per year. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
City of Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir
Secretary: Ron Beckett
Tel. 01782 302377
E-mail: ronbeckett@onetel.com
http://www.cosotmvc.co.uk/
Musical Director: Robert Slinn. Choir was formed in 1949; approx. 55 members. Rehearsals Thursday evenings, Central Hall, Longton.
Florence Brass
Contact: Band Secretary
Tel. 01785 818251
E-mail: florencebrass@hotmail.com
http://www.florencesportsandsocial.com/
Florence Brass is a friendly non contesting band. Meets Monday evenings at the Sports and Social Club of the (former) Florence Colliery.
North Staffordshire Amateur Operatic Society
Contact: E-mail secretary@northstaffsoperatic.co.uk
http://www.northstaffsoperatic.co.uk/
Musical theatre company that engages professional directors and musical directors. Now perform popular music theatre rather than operettas. Venues used include Mitchell Memorial Theatre and Regent Theatre. Traces its roots back to a performance of Gilbert & Sullivan in 1892.
North Staffs Symphony Orchestra
http://www.nsso.org.uk/
Conductor: Peter Stallworthy. Traces its origins to 1903. Performs at Victoria Hall, Jubilee Hall and at St John Fisher High School, Newcastle. Rehearse Monday evenings at Newcastle-under-Lyme School, Vessey Terrace, Newcastle.
Penkhull Festival
The Stoke-on-Trent Penkhull Festival of Music and Art had been run since 1965 by the Stoke on Trent Bedford Singers and their founder and musical director May Walley. Based at St Thomas's Church, Penkhull, the focus was on choral and classical music and especially on young professional artists. The most recent Festival was in 2005 but it has since lapsed. There are now plans being led by Greg Hallam to revive the Penkhull Festival, commencing in September 2008.
Potteries Folk Club
Meets at:
The Leopard Hotel, 21 Market Place, Burslem Contact: Jason Hill
Tel. 01782 813401
www.potteriesfolk.co.uk
The Potteries Folk Club traces its origins back to 1962. Meets second and fourth Fridays of each month, 8.00 for 8.30pm.
Stoke on Trent and Newcastle Divisional Scout Council
Scout and guide shows at the Mitchell Memorial Theatre
Stoke Youth Musical Theatre Company
http://www.stokeyouth.org/
Began as Stoke Youth in 1979 as the Youth Section of the City of Stoke-on-Trent Amateur Operatic Society (which had a long history stretching back more than 100 years but was wound up in 2006). In 2006 a number of members of Stoke Youth set up a new group called Stoke Youth Musical Theatre Company. The aim is to provide enjoyment, education and training to young people aged 11-18 with an interest in musical theatre (on stage, back stage or front of house). Present at least one full length musical each year as well as a number of concerts and workshops, performing at the Mitchell Memorial Theatre. Rehearse at Seabridge CE Centre.
Trentham Brass
E-mail: administrator-trenthambrass@hotmail.co.uk
www.trenthambrass.co.uk
Musical Director: Mike Caveney. A progressive Brass Band, sponsored by Trentham Gardens. Formed in the 1970s as the North Staffordshire Brass Band; in 1974 became the Royal Doulton Brass Band; later became known as the City of Stoke-on-Trent Brass Band; changed its name in 2004 to Trentham Brass. Wide range of abilities and ages, with most players aged under 18.
Urban Arts Centre
DJ School Unit 7 Urban Arts Centre Castlefield Street Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 7AQ
Tel 01782 205675
E-mail: djschool_admin@btconnect.com
All aspects of DJ-ing and music technology and performance. Learn to DJ/Produce music.
Barbara Walton Singers
Tel. 01889 502 377
www.barbara-walton-singers.org.uk
E-mail: info@barbara-walton-singers.org.uk
Musical Director: David Burrowes. Mixed voice choir of about 40 singers, formed 1991.
Church bell-ringers:
Bucknall: Church of St Mary. Practice night: Monday
Norton in the Moors: Church of St Bartholomew. Practice night: Friday
Stoke on Trent: Church of St Peter ad Vincula. Practice night: Tuesday
Tunstall: Christ Church. Practice night: Thursday (except 2nd which is at Church Lawton)
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City Music and Performing Arts Service
The Bridge Centre Birches Head Road Stoke-on-Trent ST2 8DD
Tel. 01782 233794/233796 Fax: 01782 233792
The service works with over 8,000 children and young people aged 2-18 every week, providing instrumental, vocal, and national curriculum music teaching in schools across Stoke-on-Trent and a wide range of evening activities to develop the skills of young people. The service is expanding to engage all people in the city - families, adults and young people.
The City Youth bands, orchestras and choirs are excellent opportunities for children to play or sing with other motivated and enthusiastic young people of all ages.
Musical groups include
- Singing Groups: City Youth Choir (Senior), for singers aged 11 to 19 years old; City Youth Training Choir, for singers aged 8 to 11 years old; City Songbirds, for 5-8 year olds
- Brass Bands: City Youth Brass Band (Senior); Training Brass Band (Beginners)
- String Groups: City Youth String Orchestra (Senior); Mezzo Strings; String Sounds; Super Strings; Fun4Strings
- Recorders: City Youth Recorder Ensemble; City Youth Training Recorder Ensemble
- Wind Bands: City Youth Wind Orchestra (Senior); Concert Band (Intermediate); Blast Off! (Beginners)
- Percussion Groups: Beginner and Intermediate
- Rootz: folk ensemble for instrumentalists aged 10-18
- Small Ensembles, for more advanced players: Brass Ensemble; Belles and Crooks (bassoon ensemble); Clarinuts (clarinets); Saxophone Ensemble; Flute Choir; Superspikes and Spikelets (cellos)
- Music Theory Lessons
- Other activities including family music days, tabla workshops, Japanese music workshops, and early years and family leaning workshops.
There are no charges for membership of musical activities offered by the City Music and Performing Arts Service, and free transport is provided to many of the activities.
Specialist Schools
(N.B. Under current re-organisation proposals it is planned that all high schools will be closed in 2010 with new schools to be established in existing or new buildings.)
Abbey Hill School & Performing Arts College, a special school for just over 200 children with moderate learning difficulties or autism, is a specialist Performing Arts school.
http://www.abbeyhill.stoke.sch.uk/
Longton High School, a mixed comprehensive school for 11 - 16 year olds with approx. 600 students on roll, is a specialist Vocational Arts school.
http://www.longtonhigh.org.uk/
St Margaret Ward Catholic School and Arts College, a mixed comprehensive school for 11 - 18 year olds with 900 students on roll, is a specialist Vocational Arts school.
http://www.st-margaretward.stoke.sch.uk/
Thistley Hough High School, a mixed comprehensive school for 11 - 16 year olds with 900 students on roll, is a specialist Media and Visual Arts school.
http://www.thistleyhough.stoke.sch.uk/
Staffordshire University
Faculty of Arts, Media and Design
Tel. 01782 294415
E-mail: amdadmissions@staffs.ac.uk
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses/
Within the Faculty of Arts, Media & Design (Stoke campus)
- Music Broadcasting BA Hons
- Music Journalism and Broadcasting BA Hons
Within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering & Technology (at the Stafford campus)
- Music Technology HND
- Music Technology B.Sc Hons
- Creative Music Technology B.Sc Hons
- e-Music B.Sc Hons (new course starting 2008)
- Music Technology and Film Production B.Sc. Hons
- Music Technology with Management B.Sc. Hons
Stoke College
http://www.stokecollege.ac.uk/
E-mail: info@stokecoll.ac.uk
Tel. 01782 208208
Main contact for music courses is Lee Beddow Tel. 01782 603143.
Courses taught at the Burslem site:
- BTEC Entry Level - Performing Arts
- BTEC Introductory Diploma - Music or Performing Arts [Level One]
- BTEC First Diploma - Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts [Level Two]
- BTEC National Diploma - Music, Music Technology, Musical Theatre, or Performing Arts [Level Three]
- BTEC Higher National Diploma - Music Performance [Level Four]
Venue 4 (at Moorland Road campus, Burslem, ST6 1JJ) is available for hire to any individuals or organisations who wish to use the facilities. It contains a large stage/dance floor, stage lighting and sound system and a flexible seating area, which can be in the form of raked seating (230 seat capacity) or can be seating around tables or conventional rows of seats at ground level.
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Amadeus Music Academy
Contact: Emily Nash BA Music & Music Technology
58 The Strand
Stoke-on-Trent ST3 2NL
Tel. 01782 599885
Mob. 07793971485
Tuition in piano/keyboard, guitar, singing, violin, saxophone, clarinet, music theory; pop/modern, classical, jazz.
Bentilee Volunteers
Based at:
Willfield CEC
Lauder Place North
Bentilee
Contact: Alan Mason
E-mail: alan.mason@mac.com
Includes a Music Lab with digital equipment. Run courses on DJ and Rap in conjunction with DJ School and Gary Oliver; also have tutor for guitar, keyboards and drums and sound engineering. .
Birches Head Music School
68 Millrise Road
Milton
Stoke-on-Trent
ST2 7DN
Tel. 01782 570539
Tuition in piano/keyboard, guitar, singing, violin, saxophone, clarinet, music theory.
Bongo and Drums
Tunstall
Stoke-on-Trent
Tel. 01782 659114
Professional drum and percussion teacher; beginners to advanced
Mrs Lynne Bradburn BMus LRAM LGSM ARCM
236 Hanley Road Sneyd Green Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6DG.
Tuition in piano and accompaniment
Rachael Calvert
37 Lomas Street Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7AE
Tel. 01782 261041
Mob. 07754 956760
All brass instruments: cornet/flugel/trumpet, french horn, tenor horn, euphonium, baritone, trombone (inc bass trombone), tuba (Eb and BBb), music theory, recorder. All styles but specialise in brass band.
Coaching with Soul
Contact: Sally Rivers
7 Hardwick Close
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8TU
Tel. 01782 644287; 07957 127 348
http://www.my-vocalcoach.co.uk/
Sally Rivers - Vocal coaching and session singer - rock, pop, soul, r&b
D Finney
29 Woodville Road
Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6BZ
Tel. 01782 332319
Guitar tuition
Lisa Finney
28 Weston Coyney Rd
Stoke-on-Trent ST3 5HY
Tel. 01782 334668
Contemporary singing tuition; specialist in musical theatre, rock and pop
Stephen Finney
33 Homer Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3NZ
Tel. 01782 264195, Mob. 07971 879842
Tuition in classical, acoustic, electric and bass guitar; music theory; beginners to advanced.
Fret Tech Guitar School
518 Werrington Road
Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9DN
Tel. 01782 303081
Tuition in electric, acoustic and bass guitar
Edward Garrard LRAM LGSM
18 John Rhodes Way
Tunstall
Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5XA
Tel. 01782 823733
Mob. 07789 777008
Tuition in voice; also training and directing choirs both home and abroad; piano teaching beginners to diploma; theory.
Steven Harper ARCM GMus
206 North Street
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7DG
Tel. 01782 848586
www.stevenharper.co.uk
E-mail: stevenharper206@hotmail.com
Tuition in singing and piano
Frederick Stanley Hewitt MA MusB FRCO
West End Mount
Gladstone Place
Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 5HP.
Tel. 01782 844561
E-mail: FSH@supanet.com
Teaches harpsichord, organ, piano, violin and theory
Paul Hill
36 Linacre Way
Stoke-on-Trent ST3 5SY
Tel. 01782 326688
Guitar tuition
John Lambert BA LRAM ARCM
9 Egerton Rd
Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6AY
Tel. 01782 614423
Tuition in classical, electric and bass guitar
Mr M.R.E.Lovell
Tel. 01782 862350 Mob 07952018663
Acoustic and electric guitar tuition; songwriting and music theory.
Ben McManus
Mob 078767 57180
E-mail: dittoart@yahoo.co.uk
Freelance artist and musician
Mrs Mika de Oliveira
Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5TA
Tel. 01782 257067
Mob. 07821713431
Tuition in cello
Muso Tech
Contact: Chris Poole and John Finney
145c Ford Green Rd
Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1PF
Tel. 0845 2496173, 01782 819891
Mob. 07818 652287
www.musotech.co.uk
E-mail:musotech@fsmail.net
Tuition in drums, guitar, bass, keyboards/piano; all styles
Gary Oliver BA Performance and Theatre Arts
Urban Arts Centre, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7AQ
Tel. 01782 205675
Mob. 07919596795
All aspects of DJ-ing and music technology and performance. Learn to DJ/Produce music.
Pitch Perfect
64 Hanley Rd
Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6BE
Tel. 01782 257895
Music school
Max Rampling MA BA Hons ALCM
Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 2NY
Tel. 01782 766268
Mob. 07986 698706
Tuition in piano, theory, composition; classical; all grades.
The Rhythm Foundry
Contact: Dean
Unit 2 The Foundry
Castlefield St
Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7AG
Tel. 01782 272288
Mob. 07971 171618
Drum tuition; beginners to advanced. Guitar and bass lessons also available. Support to young bands.
James Shaw
21 Penmark Grove
Longton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7YU
Mob. 07963 895299
Guitar tuition
Nikki Stanway BSc (Hons)
Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5JH
Tel. 01782 874323
Mob. 07725510792
Tuition in flute, theory, beginner clarinet, beginner recorder; any style/genre
John Thorrington
19 Brook Rd
Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8BQ
Tel. 01782 642172
Mob. 07752 103080
E-mail: john@user2internet.net
Tuition in electric and acoustic guitar; beginners to advanced; music theory
Alex Toft ALCM(TD)
Norton-in-the-Moors
Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8LE
Tel. 07834 533207
Email:
toftman@yahoo.comTuition in classical guitar; beginners to advanced
Kath Trevor
79 Chell Street
Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6BB
Tel. 01782 251494
Tuition in clarinet, flute and saxophone
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Research for this project by B Arts suggests there are approximately 200 established bands in Stoke-On-Trent and Newcastle-Under-Lyme. At least 160 of these have at least one band member who is in the 14-25 age range, although some are made up of members who are under 17.
Of the established bands only about 10% get regularly paid £80+ for performing at local venues (the maximum amount mentioned by the bands we interviewed for any one gig was £250). The remaining 90% perform for very small amounts (£20 average) and drinks.
The bands are predominantly made up of white males, although audiences are male and female. Musicians that work as 'collectives' rather than bands under the rubric of 'urban': MCs/ rappers/ DJs/ etc, tend to be more diverse.
Amongst the issues for local bands identified by the research are:
- Lack of safe, affordable provision for under-18s
- Not enough suitable practice studios
- Lack of fit for purpose affordable practice venues for all age groups
- Not enough larger live music venues like the Sugarmill
- Relatively isolated scene, with few well-known bands coming into the area
- Local bands and musicians do not receive the support they need to get their music outside the area
- Little non-commercial support for bands; the scene is dominated by business people
- Little support for females entering the local male-dominated rock and urban music scene
- Little support for BME young people to be involved in the local scene
- Little crossover between the universities (Staffordshire and Keele) and the local live music scene
- No central networking site as yet (but Upstart may move into this area)
- Inadequate information flows, the scene is rather insular, not enough opportunities for networking.
Amongst the venues issues are:
- The scene is dominated by one venue, which favours some bands and genres
- The scene is run by business people which may leave some bands vulnerable
- There are not enough larger venues in the area
- Very low turnover of gig-audiences meaning bands become stale very quickly, and not enough done to attract new gig audiences
- Not enough venues, opportunities or nights for under-18s
- The different venues are too genre specific therefore integration between different types of musicians and their audiences is limited
- Limited awareness of smaller venues/ how to get gigs
- Rappers/ MCs/ DJs felt there were not enough venues where the focus was on listening to good music rather than drinking.
Amongst the issues relating to support networks are:
- No public networking site although UPSTARTstoke may move into this area
- SUBculture (BBC Radio Stoke) is the only public network structure that is widely used
- Informal networking at gigs has decreased as the gig-scene in Stoke has been going through a low patch
- A lot of informal networking happens in shops, studios and 'hang out' areas in Hanley, although this tends to be male dominated
- Many of the informal networking sites are band specific which discourages wider networking
- Informal networking is largely centred around Hanley and therefore harder for those who live further away/ in other centres (Newcastle/Longton etc) to access.
Amongst the issues relating to support structures are:
- Low awareness of what support structures are available
- Insufficient technical competence amongst bands and musicians
- Insufficient Music Industry awareness amongst bands and musicians
- No formal Music Industry courses available in the area; individuals are travelling to Birmingham to take this course
- Informal support opportunities are not organised in any way, for example there is no rock and urban music forum in the area where people can share information and advice, and no formal mentoring systems
- Stoke music scene is very insular bands and musicians are not known about outside the area and do not know how to alter this
- Support available is often business orientated (management-lead) so promotes specific bands rather than attempting to raise the profile and integration of the music scene as a whole.
Last Modified:
06/01/2009 10:46:56
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