NPTC Group of Colleges has welcomed the rhythm section of the funk band, Jamiroquai, to Neath College’s Nidum Art Centre. They played for students and the general public in the 168 seater theatre as part of their masterclass tour. Jamiroquai Rhythm Section consists of: Derrick McKenzie (Drums), Rob Harris (Guitar) and Paul Turner (Bass).
In between touring with Jamiroquai and playing other concerts internationally, the band enjoys delivering masterclasses around the UK in their downtime, completing ten or twelve classes a year.
Paul said: “It’s really good fun to come and play when we’re not busy, but also it’s a different kind of perspective. I think all teachers probably know that when you’re teaching or trying to explain something, it’s a fun experience for them as well as the students because you think about things a little bit differently. You start to break down why you might do something musically, so we get something from it as well and hopefully the students do too.”
The band played a number of Jamiroquai classics along with some other personal favourites. In between songs they opened questions to the audience about a range of topics from the importance of a well-made hook and musical dynamics to technical difficulties, as well as some entertaining anecdotes about their combined careers.
Award winning music lecturer and NPTC Group of Colleges Alumni, Carolyn Davies, said: “This was a truly fantastic event organised entirely by Christian Carpenter, the Course Co-ordinator for the BTEC Level 3 Music Course. The Music Academy here at NPTC Group of Colleges is unique due to the professional links with the music industry and through Chris we are able to facilitate amazing opportunities such as this event. We are a dedicated team who all strive to provide a range of opportunities for our students.”
The band will be returning to the road with Jay Kay in the coming months on another Jamiroquai tour.
You can follow the band and their work at:
Facebook – @JamiroquaiOfficial
Twitter – @JamiroquaiHQ
Instagram – jamiroquaihq
NPTC Group of Colleges Music Academy
Each music student receives one to one tuition on their instrument/voice which is provided by a team of visiting peripatetic tutors who are all leading practitioners in their chosen fields. There is a full programme of co-curricular/extra-curricular performance and theory activities and termly concerts, community events and participation in local and National Music Festivals and competitions. On April 4th, 7 ensembles travelled to Porthcawl to participate in the Regional round of the National Festival of Music for Youth – the largest Youth Music Festival in Europe.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jamiroquai Rhythm Section (Left to Right). Rob Harris on guitar, Derrick McKenzie on drums and Paul Turner on bass guitar.
