SALFORD PUPILS RACE TO WIN MUSIC CHALLENGE

A group of Year 10 Salford City Academy students have taken on the challenge of making the indoor karting track at Daytona Manchester ’rock’ to the sound of their very own musical compositions.

They have until the end of January in which to create an adrenalin pumping soundtrack that will blast out at demonstration sessions which precede all race events at the North West’s premier karting circuit.

The students – five girls and 12 boys aged between 14 and 15 – are each undertaking the assignment as part of their studies for a Level 2 BTEC First extended Certificate of Music. 

The task is to create their own individual ideas for a 2 minute tape, via a range of computerised techniques using audio/Midi music creation software. The best and most appropriate musical piece chosen by Daytona’s management team on 27 January 2012, could then be used at corporate and ‘ride and drive’ race events at the Trafford Park based venue next year.

“This is the second time we have invited Salford City Academy to gain valuable work experience on a real life project brief, “says Daytona general manager, Nick Hughes.

“Our track demonstration is a major part of the driver experience. It is not only used to instil the rules of the circuit, but is also there to get the adrenalin pumping and excitement flowing ready for racing to commence. “

SalfordCity Academymusic teacher, Jo Landon said:” We are very grateful to Daytona for giving our pupils this great opportunity to work with professionals. The group is absolutely buzzing about it and I look forward to seeing the final results from each individual, which will go towards their BTEC qualification.”

Katie Leggott, Year 10, said: ”Our class visit to Daytona race track was a really good experience and the manager, Nick, explained to us the task we had to do and the type of music we had to compose.

“This has inspired me to get involved in music as a job. It’s a great opportunity to have our music used and played and I can’t wait to get started.”

Another Year 10 student, Nathanael Shasahebi, added “In the future I want to be a professional drummer. I like the creative beats that can be made and I already have some ideas for my demo. BTEC learning is a great chance to achieve your dreams in music. I can’t wait to find out who wins the competition.”

Nick, along with management colleague Stephen Pitts and other members of the Daytona race team will choose one winning soundtrack from the 17 submissions on 27 January 2012.

“We have given the students free reign in terms of what audio techniques to employ, but we have encouraged them to make good use of base notes as many compositions like this are associated with racing. It’s a dynamic kind of vibe which motor sport fans relate to as they get psyched up for a race on the starting grid,” he added.