Redbridge College bands aid our Christmas appeal
 | | CHARITY: Ashley Williamson and Anna Stolicyna with their bucket |
THERE were two reasons for students to whip up a storm at Redbridge College's Christmas concert.
The show was coursework for the music pupils, as well as a chance to raise money in support of the Recorder's Christmas appeal for children with special educational needs.
 | | ON SONG FOR CHARITY: Some of the performers at the college event |
A variety of music came alive on stage at the college in Barley Lane, Little Heath, from R&B to pop and heavy metal.
There were also a few twists on some Christmas classics, including Silent Night and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, as well as old favourites by Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.
Acts HSK and Eternal Twilight kept the crowd wowed for almost two hours, alongside solo performers and also proved multi-tasking was no problem as they busied themselves backstage at the sound desk.
Tayyibah Aslam, 16 and Karl George, 17, were among the stars of the show
Tayyibah said: "I don't mind performing and I really like singing. I've got my sisters here watching me tonight - hopefully it will be a good show.
"I sing anything, I don't have a particular style and I'd love to make a career out of singing in the future."
Karl said: "This is one of my first times performing. I was quite quiet before so didn't always like to get up on stage.
"I've known I wanted to be a singer since primary school and I like performing R&B and hip-hop.
"It's a good night and as soon as we start singing the Christmas songs, I reckon I'll get into the festive spirit."
Proud tutor Pete Herbert glowed with pride as he watched his students perform - often chipping in with some guitar rhythms of his own.
He said: "The students organised it all themselves - from learning the notes and the songs to the publicity and the food.
"It's all part of the learning experience for them, but it's important to also have the charitable side of things as it teaches social responsibility, as well as raising money for a good cause.
"The kind of equipment the special schools need to buy will have a huge impact on the youngsters who use them and we are glad to help make that happen."
At the end of the night, bands and guests tucked into some specially prepared grub and racked up a generous £60 in donations.
Stomachs full, the crowd then headed for the door, the buzzing performers safe in the knowledge they had passed their assignment.
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