On November 4th, iconic vocal group The Drifters gave students of the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) a unique educational experience in the form of a performance and masterclass. In addition to this, lucky competition winner and vocalist Ginnie Breakwell got the chance to perform alongside the group which was broadcast on local radio station 96.4 Eagle Radio.
The day kicked off with a masterclass from Drifter Michael Williams, alongside musical director Dan Healey and manager Kathy Mashadi. Running as a Q & A format, the session was hosted by the Academy’s Head of Creative Industry Development – Ace (guitar & backing vocals in Skunk Anansie). Students were thoroughly engaged throughout and even stayed back to ask more questions once the session drew to a close. As part of the class, Michael Williams gave a performance of ‘Saturday Night At The Movies’ with some help on backing vocals from students, Sarah Martin, Eleanor Martin and Rhys Wilson. The students were quite nervous at the prospect of performing alongside the legendary Drifter, but their practice paid off and the performance went without a hitch! Manager Kathy Mashadi was so impressed at their performance, she invited the students to come and perform live with The Drifters at their upcoming show in Croydon.
“The Drifters masterclass and recording day here at ACM was a complete success.
The Drifters were accommodating and inspirational to the students, with their talent, experience and all round accessibility.
The students performed excellently and were even asked to join the Drifters on stage at their next live show! We are very proud of our students here at ACM with their hard work they put in, and eternally grateful to the Drifters and their team for coming in and providing such a wonderful day for all.”
– Ace (Head of Creative Industry Development)
After a short lunch break the other Drifters arrived ready to lay down some tracks in the studio. The Drifters were blown away by the facilities at ACM and were eager to get started with their session in the colleges ‘Teaching Control’ studio. Competition winner Ginnie Breakwell and Michael Williams went into a practice room to warm up their vocals and the engineer quickly set up the session. Once together, Ginnie and The Drifters took only two takes to lay down an incredible version of Saturday Night at the Movies. The Drifters then went on to perform two more tracks followed by an interview with Ginnie for 96.4 Eagle. The interview and song were then played on the Showbiz Saturday Show presented by Kim Robson.
“My family have always been huge fans of the Drifters, so when I heard about them coming in, I had to audition. The competition was tough and I was thrilled to have been chosen as the winner. My tutor Jono McNeil was a huge help in preparing for my performance and whilst I was incredibly nervous on the day, I am really pleased with how the track turned out. It was amazing to meet all the Drifters and hear all their stories – they are such awesome guys. And I was thrilled when they ask us back to sing with them on their UK tour date in Croydon! Can’t wait to hear our track and interview on the radio!”
– Ginnie Breakwell (Second Year Vocal Degree Student)
Throughout the day Dan Healy and Kathy Mashadi were on hand answering students questions. The Drifters even signed posters as keep-sakes for the performers – which was a lovely touch.
Students and Drifters alike had a wonderful time and it was a very successful masterclass put on by the ACM.
