HOPE Portsmouth

There is loads going on at the HOPE project at the moment – and so only right to let you all know:

1. The project received some money from Young Money to replace some tired musical instruments and to improve our video equipment. We are really grateful for this money and it will make a big difference to what we can offer here.
2. One of our bands DefinedMusic has recently been auditioned – and got in with flying colours – to the Portsmouth Variety Show happening in April at the New Theatre Royal. This will be a great opportunity for these guys to really show their stuff in a great venue to a large amount of people. These guys have been busy on their website – check out their amusing Video Blogs…
3. Split Personalities, although having suffered with illness over the last few weeks will also be auditioning for the variety show in the coming weeks and we reckon they’ll get in with flying colours!
4. Zoo In The Sky are booked in to record a demo in the studio over February half term. They are a very well respected local band and haven’t had the opportunity to do a decent demo yet. We hope to put that to rights!
5. Heather Bailey is hard at work on her acoustic sets and we hope to do a ‘lounge’ gig one afternoon in the future to give Heather the opportunity to perform. Keep your eyes peeled for more info on that one….

Backbeat records is very busy at the moment with bands coming and working with us after school. Some recent additions are:

• Split Personalities: After the last academy, the Big Shot Bandanas split and joined forces with Split Personalities to form a new and exciting band. These guys are hungry for gigs and we’ll be working with them on their live performances and recording some demos.
• Defined Music: A newly formed three piece, these guys have some gigs lined up and will be working with Backbeat to do some work on their material, their original songs and doing some recordings.
• Zoo In They Sky: A highly experienced young band who are up for recording some of their songs to produce a really class demo.
• Heather Bailey: Heather is a solo acoustic act who is working with Backbeat to sharpen her performance, her songs before getting stuck into some gigs.

Some exciting things going on. Check out the band websites (which are new) for the latest info…

I know it has taken longer than expected but the DVD’s are finally ready! We are really pleased at how amazing everyone performed at the gig and we know you are going to enjoy watching it along with all the special features and behind the scenes footage.

If you took part in the Summer Academy then you are eligible for a free copy. Extra copies can be ordered at the cost at £5 each. If you would like extra copies, contact us and let us know.

We are really please to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Summer Academy 2009! Last years Summer Academy was incredible fun and I know that this year will be even bigger and even better.

The academy is open to anyone between the ages of 11-16 and this year we will be offering the following streams for you to get involved with:

• Vocal stream
• Band stream (for anyone who plays an instrument)
• Dance stream
• Video editing stream
• Techy stream
• DJ stream
• Design stream

If you are interested in applying you can simply download the application form by clicking here or by collecting one from us at the Kings Centre. For more information either drop us an email or give us a call!

Once again this project is funded with the Heart Of Portsmouth Community Improvement Partnership.

Applications must be sent in to reach us no later than 17th August 2009.

Well the DVD’s are finally ready! Of course they contain the showcase gig but they are also loaded with special features such as behind the scenes ‘Rock-u-mentary’, post-gig interviews, directors commentary and lots more. (more…)

I know many of you have been chomping at the bit, asking when the DVD is going to be ready and I have some good news! The DVD’s are designed, mixed, edited and printed and we are just in the final stages of burning them all for your viewing pleasure. We will have them ready for public consumption on Tuesday 14th July.

If you were involved in the academy you are entitled to one free DVD and you can order extra copies by contacting us.

Until next Tuesday, feast your eyes on our trailer! Enjoy…

We are getting very excited around here at the moment as we are all gearing up for the HOPE Showcase Gig on May 16th at 7:30pm in association with Backbeat Records (the record label we have set up to promote our young musicians). The gig will showcase all the hard work that has been going on around here for the past 12 weeks giving the young people a chance to really show off their stuff. The gig is being held at the Kings Centre on Elm Grove – entrance is free and all are welcome!

Performing on the night we have:

• The Big Shot Bandanas
• Split Personalities
• The Kings Crew Dancers
• Leanne Bourne
• The HOPE Video team

It promises to be an amazing night! Contact us if you need more information…

We are pleased to announce that the HOPE After-School Academy will be starting very soon! After the success of the Summer Academy we want to offer a similar, yet unique academy that will run after school for 12 weeks starting on February 5th 2009. (more…)