A wide range of vibrant music making activities is available at The School of Music & Fine Art, from Chamber Choir and jazz ensembles to the World Percussion Ensemble and the large-scale Choir and Band, comprising students from across the Medway campus. In December we will be showcasing the talent and skills of our students in a range of concerts that are free to attend.

On Weds December 9 in the Galvanising Workshop at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, part of the University’s Medway campus, students from the School of Music & Fine Art perform music from a range of traditions. The Jazz Improvisation Ensemble will perform works by Juan Tizol, Fats Waller and Joe Harriott. There will be a performance of Frank Martin’s exceptionally beautiful Piano Quintet in D Minor and the concert will be framed by works with a festive flavour sung by the Chamber Choir. This free concert starts at 19.30.

The following week, you can hear students from the BMus and MA Music programmes studying band and ensemble playing. This Ensemble Performance Lunchtime Concert is Tues December 15 from 12.00 til 13.00 in the Galvanising Workshop, and will include performances of jazz and contemporary popular music.

Finally, from 20.00 until late on Thursday December 17 the award winning bar and bistro Cargo Bar at Liberty Quays welcomes bands from the School of Music & Fine Art to perform sets of original material and covers.The gigs are free to attend and always draw a crowd. Says Director of Music Programmes and Lecturer in Music, Dr Ben Curry, ‘always feel immensely proud and excited when I see our students perform. Whether they are playing innovative pop, soul and jazz or pulling off a challenging work from the classical tradition, they always give compelling performances.’