Uxbridge College band The Ride are through to the national finals of the WorldSkills UK competition. Left-right: Yukesh Gurung, Andrew Smart, Tianna Johnson, Simba Nyamfukudza (drums) and Simon Tajhya.A student band from Uxbridge College is through to the finals of a national competition.The Ride, which blends rock, rap and reggae music styles, came joint first in the London heats of
Uxbridge College band The Ride are through to the national finals of the WorldSkills UK competition. Left-right: Yukesh Gurung, Andrew Smart, Tianna Johnson, Simba Nyamfukudza (drums) and Simon Tajhya.A student band from Uxbridge College is through to the finals of a national competition.
The Ride, which blends rock, rap and reggae music styles, came joint first in the London heats of the popular music section of World Skills UK 2012.
They will now compete in the national finals in June, performing at the O2 arena.
Performers Andrew Smart (17), Yukesh Gurung (16), Simon Tajhya (20), Tianna Johnson (18) and Simba Nyamfukudza (16), played a cover of Jessie J’s Price Tag and an original song written by Simba.
The students are all on Level 3 music or music technology courses.
Music lecturer Ivan Sanz, who helped coach the group along with performing arts team leader Ray Griffin , said: “I knew they were going to do well. They are able to successfully blend several musical styles which give them a very original sound, and also show a very good level of musicianship and sense of dynamics. They also put on an energetic and professional performance that really connected with the audience.”
WorldSkills UK is a portfolio of skills competition activity managed by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with organisations from industry and education. Outstanding competitors who excel in WorldSkills UK Competitions will be invited to compete for a place in the team that represents the UK at WorldSkills, the biennial international skills competition.