Peter Symonds' very own Session Band attended the recent Battle of the Bands at Solent University in Southampton.

The annual event took place on March 19 and is designed for young people to compete and show off their creativity and expression through the art of music in front of judges who are experienced and successful in the industry.

As well as this, the university holds many musical opportunities for young people throughout the year, including a chance to record songs in their recording studios, as well as an event the Peter Symonds' Lower Sixth Bands attended as well as Session Band. 

Peter Symonds' Session Band was formed two years ago, as an audition based extracurricular activity for the students on the BTEC Popular Music Performance course. 

Ted Carrasco, head of Popular Music Performance and director of Session Band, said their goal is to be an “exceptional group” among those who take the course. 

After working together for only seven months, an “awesome” setlist was created by the band that covered a variety of material from The Ramones to Teddy Swims to Bon Jovi.

The band obtained an impressive second place at the Battle Of The Bands; an achievement Mr Carrasco said he was “very, very, very pleased with”.

A lot of the other band performed original songs as opposed to Session Band who performed only covers.

Mr Carrasco said it was a “really cool experience” for both teachers and students, and that it also helped to build relationships with other young performers in the community.

  • This article was written by Millie Underwood, from Peter Symonds College, as part of Newsquest's Young Reporter Scheme.