College staff and students are gearing up for a very musical March with the launch of the Exeter College Music Academy Festival 2012 including events in partnership with the City's Vibraphonic Festival.

The Festival is a celebration of the performance and composition work of music students at Exeter College. The programme covers many genres of music – ranging from Classical, Jazz, Big Band, Gospel, current pop and original songwriting.

“We are excited to be able to showcase the work of our students through this Festival”, said Laura Wright – Music Section Leader. “Using a wide range of venues across the city as well as providing ticketed and free events, gives the opportunity for everyone to share in our Festival celebration. There will be something for all musical tastes from solo recitals of classical music through to lively and original gig sessions involving students from all of our music courses”.

Festival venues are: The Mill on the Exe, the Exeter Phoenix, the Mint Methodist Church (Fore St), United Reformed Church (Heavitree), the Barnfield Theatre and the college's own Centre for Music and Performance (26 Queen St.).

Ticketed events start with the Exeter College Inspirational Choir at the Exeter Phoenix on Tuesday 13th March (£6.50, £5 – tickets available from Exeter Phoenix box office) presenting an evening of Gospel and Soul to lift the spirits and rejuvenate the soul! This group of young performers combine close part choral harmony with spectacular soloists and a band that can raise the roof of any venue. From traditional gospel roots through to soul and contemporary repertoire, the performance is designed to be enjoyed and to leave you smiling. The inspirational choir will be supported that night by the Exeter College Jambassadors. The interesting line up of horn section, piano lead rhythm section plus acoustic guitar and cello creates an exciting jazz chamber group. The Jambassadors will be performing folk, punk, swing, funk, Cuban & cool jazz infused music.

This is followed by an evening of solo recitals, Toot Sweet flute ensemble plus Guitar Ensemble concert at the United Reformed Church Heavitree on the 23rd March (£3.50, £2 – tickets on the door), an Orchestra, Victoria Singers and small ensembles concert at the Mint Methodist Church Wednesday 28th March (£4.50, £3 – tickets on the door) and closing the Festival are the Exeter College Big Band and Jazz project at the Barnfield Theatre on Sunday 1st April (£6, £5 – tickets available from the Barnfield Theratre box office).

Internationally renowned bassist TM Stevens (a “luminous figure with his ferocious yet melodic style of bass as unique as his larger than life personna” ) is delivering a bass master class followed by public gig as part of the Vibraphonic festival (tickets available from the Exeter Phoenix Box Office). With the support of Oyster House Media Productions, Exeter College bassists have been given the opportunity to attend this masterclass and afternoon gig from TM Stevens and his band. Opportunities like this are priceless and hugely valued by our music students.

Free events kick off at The Mill On the Exe on 5th March (for four nights 5th- 8th) with an eclectic mix of live lounge and original material generated by Level 3 music students. The Centre for Music and Performance free lunchtime gigs start on 21st March 12:30 – 1:15pm with the girls choir Victoria Singers. Then the 22nd March: Toot-Sweet flute ensemble, 27th March: Jazz Project and 30th March: solo performances from 2nd year students. Free evening concerts begin on 21st March with a Ska and Reggae night then the 26nd and 29th March 2nd year solo performances – all 7pm start.

“This is yet another way we are showcasing the musical excellence of the Music Academy at the college,” said Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College. “Our annual Carol Festival at the Cathedral always draws hundreds of people who enjoy such a fantastic and inspiring programme. This is the first time our music students and staff have put on such an impressive Spring Festival and we're looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our musical students throughout the month. I encourage everyone to look at the programme of events and take part in this celebration of music.”

The full festival programme can be seen here

For further information please contact Laura Wright or Roz Harding on 01392 205250 rozharding@exe-coll.ac.uk