Just a few months after being set up, the Totnes School, of Rock can already boast two major successes. The school has launched two new rock groups, with musicians aged between nine and 44. The school was the brainchild of rock musician Terence Bevis. Although there are rock schools within schools across the country, the Totnes project is thought to be the first of its kind as it is run independently and out of school hours.
 | | Terence Bevis |
The idea came to Terence after a visit to the cinema: "I was watching the film School of Rock starring Jack Black and at the end of the film he does work with kids after school. "I thought that was a good idea - I'd have loved to have something like that when I was young - but I left it for a while. "Then I did a business plan at the Job Centre and it went from there." Terence, 28, has been playing music since he was 13 and can play several instruments. He plays in a hard rock band called Quartermoon, so it's no surprise to learn that the rock school learns a mix of tracks by bands such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple Cream, and the White Stripes. "it's not just about teaching the music," said Terence. "It's also about building up their confidence and getting them to think about their stage presence. "It's a fun way to get musicians together, and it's a good community thing as well.
 | | A budding drummer |
"I transcribe the songs we are going to learn and they go away and work on them for a week and we get back the next week and play them." There are two 'classes' at the Totnes Rugby Club function room each Wednesday. The first at 4.20pm is for young musicians aged nine to to 14; the second at 5.30pm has people aged 14-44. The two sessions have spawned two groups, and in June 2006 they performed their first gigs in Taunton. "That's one of the big aims really, to get them out gigging. It was a really good night in Taunton - it was good to see six months of work come together. "We're hoping to do more gigs in Totnes." If you want to attend the rock school contact Terence on 07919 916697. There is a £10 charge to attend each session. You will need a basic understanding of music. For more information, visit the website linked from this page. | 
