<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Last month, Guthrie Kennard, an American singer-songwriter from Texas, visited our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Music Performance and Production</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners, offering invaluable insight into the world of songwriting and performance. With over 60 years of experience in Old Blues and Southern country music, Guthrie brought not only his talent but also his wisdom, sharing stories from a lifetime dedicated to music.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Guthrie has played bass for six decades and performed alongside legendary musicians like Larry Graham, Buddy Miles, Rocky Hill, and Ray Wylie Hubbard. From playing gigs in small intimate settings to massive crowds of 50,000 people during the peak of the blues movement, Guthrie had many amazing stories to share with our learners about his journey.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">His passion for music has never faltered, “I have more stories than I do money,” he admitted, and even at 74, he continues to play because it brings him joy and fulfilment.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">During his visit, Guthrie shared insights into the songwriting process. He emphasised the importance of originality in lyrics, advising students to avoid repetition and make every line unique. His songwriting process is also largely organic—he starts with chords and a melody, often relying on drum patterns to guide the rhythm.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">While he doesn’t always plan albums in advance, he claims that he has a clear sense of the sound he wants to achieve. “I usually have a feeling of what an album will sound like, and I will write a song and decide that I need to keep it in that genre,” he explained.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Guthrie finds inspiration for his songs originates from the world around him. “I listen to stories, so if I hear a line that inspires me, I will use it as a lyric,” he shared. However, he also admitted to struggling with writer’s block, encouraging the students to keep writing, whether it’s serious songs or silly and fun, every bit of creativity is progress.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The students were captivated when Guthrie performed in our Michael Eavis music Suite at Loxton Campus. Many of our learners aspire for a lifetime career in music in the future, giving them a lot of encouragement and insight into their chosen industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Guthrie acknowledges that his age has slowed him down a bit and discussed the challenges he has faced over time, but his love for music has always outweighed the negatives and he doesn’t want to stop playing. “I love doing it, and it keeps me going. It’s something I’ve done since I was a kid. Even though it’s been hard, it’s also kept me alive.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">During his visit, Guthrie praised Weston College’s facilities and the warmth of the students and staff, admitting that he was actually a bit nervous to be there.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Guthrie’s insights and experiences provided the students with an honest, unfiltered look at the realities of being a musician. From handling criticism to navigating the financial struggles of the industry, he offered an abundance of knowledge that will undoubtedly help shape the future generation of artists.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We’d like to say a huge thank you to Guthrie Kennard for taking the time to visit us all the way from Texas and share his amazing journey and wisdom with our students.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">If you’re interested in applying to one of our Music and Production courses, click here.</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Students from various subjects, including </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; target="_blank">Sport and Fitness</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank">Art and Design</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, and </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank">Music</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">,&nbsp;came together to host a memorable Christmas Fair this holiday season, raising funds for Weston Hospice Care. With festive games, delicious treats, and heart-warming activities, the event brought together the public, students, and staff for a day filled with joy, fun, and community spirit.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This event was publicised to local charities, hospices and care homes to bring them together this Christmas and get them in the festive spirit. All our games and activities were made to be accessible and inclusive so some of our guests gave our Christmas games a go and won a handful of chocolates.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The learners played a significant role in making the Christmas fair a success. The day featured free festive games for both the staff and the visitors, including&nbsp;throwing 'snowballs’ at reindeer cups, magnetic darts, Christmas bingo, and hoop toss onto reindeer antlers. Guests also enjoyed arts and crafts sessions with pipe cleaners, pompoms, wreath kits, and colouring activities, alongside unique handmade ornaments created by Art and Design learners.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Resident throwing a snowball at reindeer cups&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16e3fc70-d10c-4d15-9be7-2f95dfa60808" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The event offered something for everyone: a lively ‘Strictly Just Dance’ session judged by students, yoga, accessible walking football, and running football. The tombola and raffle raised money with its abundance of prizes, while the Craft Café served tea, coffee, cakes, and savoury bites. Guests could also get tinselled hair and enjoy live performances by Music students, set to a soundtrack of classic Christmas tunes.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;3 learners with raffle prizes selling raffle tickets&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c9db52e2-c1ba-4adc-832d-f785af5b0197" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students and residents playing Christmas Bingo&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f948fbf-a6a6-4ee0-a581-9b9c99ecc027" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Music learner singing and playing the guitar to an audience&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17110a45-e6fa-4566-abdf-b6dc8c47fa3c" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The Christmas Fair was dedicated to raising funds for Weston Hospice Care, with proceeds from raffles, the tombola, handmade ornaments, and donations supporting the hospice’s vital work. Residents and staff from Weston Hospice Care, Acer House, Orchard House, and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston attended, adding to the festive atmosphere. Special guests included the Mayor of Weston-Super-Mare and, of course, Santa Claus himself.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">One of our guests, Laura, said, “it was a very enjoyable morning. My favourite part of the day was the young man playing the guitar.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The entire event was made even more festive as students and staff wore Christmas jumpers and accessories, creating a cheerful and welcoming environment. Learners enthusiastically led activities and engaged with visitors, ensuring smiles and laughter filled the day. It was a celebration of togetherness and a wonderful way to support a meaningful cause during the holiday season.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Learners with Christmas photo props&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31565b3d-8e40-4da6-b6b8-38c3b171328b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thank you to everyone who attended our Christmas Fair and celebrated the festive season with us, and thank you to our learners for stepping up and helping with the event.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">If you are interested in applying to one of our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; target="_blank">Sport and Fitness</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank">Art and Design</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, or </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank">Music</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> courses next September, click here.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Recently, we welcomed Boris Zamba from the band Voodoo Ramble to the Michael Eavis Suite at Loxton Campus, performing live alongside The Blue Horizon, one of our very own alumni bands. Together, these two groups merged elements of the UK blues scene with Croatian influences, offering our Year 2 cohort of Level 3 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…, Film, and Creative Production</u></a> students the chance to develop their skills in a real-world setting through live performance and hands-on music production.&nbsp;</p><p>The TV, Film, and Creative Production students were immersed in numerous performance-making opportunities, while also showcasing their expertise by capturing footage of the event. Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… and Commercial Photography</u></a> students documented every moment, working collaboratively to curate a fully produced live album and video, demonstrating their technical skills and artistic talent.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;music student producing live album&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a50988f6-33fd-4cb6-b2c6-904cdf5afd0f" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_900x900&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Blue Horizon anchored the rhythm section, supported by two of our Music students on backing vocals. This performance was a remarkable success, featuring dynamic collaboration led by music legend Boris Zamba on guitar and lead vocals. Despite facing some unexpected technical challenges, the students demonstrated resilience and professionalism, earning praise from the audience and guest performers alike.&nbsp;</p><p>Jade Hicks, our Head of Performance and Production, reflected on the experience: “This project has been an exceptional opportunity for students to learn the end-to-end process of creating a commercial release.” She emphasised that students gained invaluable industry skills, including “technical setup, live sound engineering, visual capture, and post-production.”&nbsp;</p><p>The event showcased phenomenal performances by the music students, The Blue Horizon, and Boris Zamba. Through this practical industry experience, students not only enhanced their confidence in performing but also opened doors for future networking opportunities in their musical journeys.&nbsp;</p><p>This partnership forms part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>To see more about our Creative Arts courses, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds-creat… here</u></a>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College&nbsp;here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p>