the making of a dream
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The concert was so successful that with the support of a budding team of volunteers, Alex launched the Showcase Percussion Association (SPA). The aim was to continue exposing the percussion groups to different audiences whilst encouraging local school children to come and take part in free workshops and performances.
In December 2010, SPA hosted a launch concert which was headlined by world famous percussionist, Simone Rebello. Local children and ensembles also took part in what was to mark the beginning of something very special. |
Simone Rebello, SPA Launch 2010
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SPA continued to grow and put on events until October 2012 by which time they had raised over £6000 towards local and national charities. Highlights included 2 of their own concerts in support of the Mayor of Southampton's Charity Appeals. Swing's the Thing and A Very Spooky Showcase supported Councillors Derek Burke & Terry Matthews by raising over £2200 towards their charities in 2012. Alex is very lucky and grateful for the support he received from friends and colleagues who made these events go off with a bang.
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Charity concert highlights
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a musical journey continues
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The growing achievements of SPA led Alex Pope to formally announce the launch of the Showcase Performance Company. Showcase travels with the simple aim: To inspire and change the lives of young people through unforgettable and easily accessible opportunities to access music and its profound effects. For years Alex has delivered workshops to schools all over the UK. His success has encouraged thousands of young people to begin learning a musical instrument. To this end, Showcase wants to play a larger part in making young people and their families aware of music and the incredible way it can transform the lives of young people.
Showcase Drumming Academy Portrait 2013
The Drumming Academy became so popular that Showcase wanted to create a platform for the more experienced drummers to develop their skills and become role models to younger budding drummers. This sparked the idea of external drumming squad: Another Dimension. The squad is formed of older and more experienced drummers and combine the skills of street dance and advanced drumming skills and the occasional stunts. The squad rehearse weekly with several whole day weekend rehearsals. They receive workshops from professional experts who specialise in dance, gymnastics and drumming and have exciting plans for later in 2013. The Dimensioners perform to an exceptionally high standard and offer our younger drummers something to aim for in their later years. |
Showcase began by launching their Drumming Academy influenced by Alex's private work in schools for some years. Having begun with 50 drummers across Southampton, the Academy now boasts over 300 drummers a week led by 4 coaches and aims to grow to over 500 come September 2013. Our drummers are a credit to the ethos and atmosphere at Showcase. They bring with them a buzzing and energetic personality every week without fail. Their dedication and commitment gives us the incentive we need to ensure that this opportunity for young people will never end. In September 2013 we will be launching academies across Southampton for youngsters who have left primary school and want to continue and they will also be for those who go to a school where we do not run an academy.
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so, what about 'real' instruments?
Showcase is driven by the passion and drive that Alex has contributed into increasing the number of drummers taking part in the Drumming Academy. He is always looking at how Showcase can respond to musical and educational issues and requirements in an efficient and innovative way. The past years have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of young people actively learning to play an instrument or sing in a choir. This is partly due to the reduction of funds from Government, the costs for schools to continue their provision for young people and mainly the number of young people, schools and families who do not realise what is available to them. Music is the best way of boosting the self-esteem and confidence of all youngsters. It enables them to share personal achievements, memories and make friends for life.
A selection of those who support our performances
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The concern of reduced activity in music has kick started our mission to expand. With the support of good friends and a superb line up of professional musicians, Showcase is the answer we've all been looking for. We were granted the trust of one school to experiment with our inspirational mission to put music on the map in the South again. At present, there are 143 instrumental learners, 40 drummers, a school orchestra and a talented choir led by the Head of Music (over half the school actively participating in the magic of music each week). The energy and motivation of Showcase is like no other and through lots of interactive assemblies and performances we have proven that our music will evolve into a unique presence in the lives of young people once more.
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building our foundation
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Whilst expanding our provisions to schools, there is a huge need for an organisation that families, schools and organisations can turn to in need of support for their children to take part in musical activities. The Showcase Foundation was launched by the senior management of Showcase to ensure there are no restrictions for those who need support. We hope the Foundation will raise more funds to ensure that our support reaches a wider community across the UK. Over £2000 was raised at the Dreams Come True concert on 20th April. At every showcase event there will be a collection in aid of the Foundation.
www.theshowcasefoundation.com |
