In our ‘Spotlight On’ series, we’re showcasing the many things Woodingdean has to offer, through profiles of local business owners.
This week, we speak to Gary about the non-for-profit organisation Brighton School of Singing and their new commercial venture The Voice Hut.
Brighton School of Singing is for the community, run by the community. We’re a charity and our mission is to help local young people improve their voice in a fun, friendly environment, while giving those that want to the chance to gain credited music awards and recording opportunities. We also regularly take part in local events, helping raise funds for charities and community projects.
Personal development is just as important to us as singing. One of our key aims is to help young people build their confidence and feel a sense of pride in the progress they’ve made. Our members are encouraged to help each other and work as a team, and some of our groups come as much to see their friends as to sing. As a professional musician and a teacher, and I find there’s nothing more fulfilling than see a student come out of their shell and develop the confidence to get up on stage.
The beautifully refurbished Voice Hut
The Voice Hut is our newest venture, and we’re very excited about it. It’s a live lounge and recording studio that people can hire out for their event, based in the Woodingdean youth centre on Warren road. We can seat up to fifty people, and we have a licensed bar, making it a perfect place for bands to hold gigs and performances. It doesn’t have to be music-related; local improv comedy group ‘The HeeHahs’ have performed here. We also run karaoke parties, which have proved very popular with both adults and children.
Our biggest challenge has been getting our name out there! We have students coming to the singing school from as far as Seaford and Worthing, yet there are still plenty of people in Woodingdean who don’t know about us. Brighton School of Singing and The Voice Hut really do have so much to offer local people; we want to become a hub for people in Woodingdean to host events and socialise with each other. Although students wanting to take exams are welcome, we also encourage people who’d rather sing for fun; our Adult Funk & Disco Choir meets once a week and is very friendly and informal.
Our students in action
Come and see us this summer! We’re busy all year, but the summer holidays are when things really start to kick off; in the coming months we’re involved in all sorts of events, from live lounges run by our students, to showcases and open air festivals. We’re also involved in the Brighton Fringe and we do a huge annual Christmas show. In fact, events and festivals are such a large part of what we do, that…
We’re Recruiting! We’re looking for a volunteer to help organise and promote our many events, festival applications etc. The role would be ideal for a student or young person interested in gaining experience in events management. If you or anyone you know is interested, contact Gary at studioscape@msn.com.
To find out more about The Voice Hut, visit: www.voicehutmusic.com
To find out more about Brighton School of Singing, visit at: www.brightonschoolofsinging.com