Plympton Academy Students Set to Rock Battle of the Bands Final

Plympton Academy students have successfully advanced to the final round of the Battle of the Bands competition, organised by the Devon & Torbay Music Education Hubs.

Earlier this month, bands and aspiring artists from secondary schools across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay took part in regional heats.

The heats were overseen by music industry professionals from R&K Systems and Music In Devon Initiative (MIDI). Plympton Academy's band 'The Zombies’ impressed the judges performing ‘Zombie Apocalypse’ and have been selected to compete in the Battle of the Bands Final at Bomba in Exeter on Thursday 27th June 2024.

The winning band will have the opportunity to professionally record their music and perform at high-profile festivals.

The band from Plympton Academy, a proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, boasts a diverse lineup of students, including a Year 9 bass player, a Year 11 vocalist, a Year 11 guitarist, and two Year 13 guitarists along with a Year 13 drummer. Most of these students have either completed or are currently enrolled in Level 2 Music Practice courses at the Academy, with three members finalising their Level 3 Music Performance and Music Technology courses.

The band rehearses after school, with the Year 13 band members also helping younger students in training bands for Years 7 to 9 during tutor time. This initiative gives younger students the chance to work with more experienced and confident peers.

The band members are self-motivated, selecting their own performance pieces with minimal guidance for teachers at the Academy, reflecting their experience and skill. The band has been together for two years, enhancing their abilities and creating an unstoppable ensemble.

Jamie and Mat, Year 13 students at Plympton Academy, expressed their excitement:

"It's a fantastic opportunity and a valuable way to gain feedback from experienced musicians in the industry."

Plympton Academy's Head of Music, Nicky Clapson, praised the students' dedication commenting:

"The band have demonstrated outstanding commitment and passion for music. Through their hard work and collaboration, they have earned this exciting opportunity.

"These experiences play a crucial role in developing their musical skills and establishing a strong foundation for their future in the music industry, while also nurturing a profound enthusiasm for performing and collaborating. It's a great privilege for us to witness their talent being acknowledged by industry professionals. I wish them all the best in the final I know they will play to the best of their ability."