Spoony serves up a DJ-ing masterclass for local kids
Aspiring musicians at Highbury Grove School in Islington were today treated to
an exclusive Masterclass in DJ-ing from former student BBC’s Radio 1 DJ
Spoony.
The DJ volunteered his time in support of ‘London’s Schools Celebrating
Achievement’. This new campaign aims to recognise the diversity and richness
of talent within London’s state schools and celebrate the contribution of
students and teachers in all areas of achievement since the implementation of
the London Challenge Strategy.
During the two-hour session DJ Spoony provided the school’s most talented
music students with a valuable insight into his passion for music, his school
days and how he turned his career aspirations into a reality. He then took a
workshop for a small group of students focusing on DJ’ing skills and music
production.
DJ Spoony attended Highbury Grove School between 1981 and 1988. He is
currently to be heard on Radio 1 every Saturday and Sunday, 7am - 10am. He
also presents the country's premier football phone-in show, 606 on Radio 5Live
every Wednesday night during the football season and one of the top rated golf
shows on 5Live during the summer.
DJ Spoony said: “My years at Highbury Grove certainly played a role in
helping me get where I am today and I was delighted to go back and visit the
school today. I’ve been really impressed by the standard and talent shown by
the kids. My one piece of advice is that you've got to have the ability to
work hard, to be determined and want to get on, then hopefully the rewards
will come your way.“
Kamal Akerbousse, a Year 10 student at Highbury Grove School who attended the
Masterclass was very excited about the session: “It was so cool to meet DJ
Spoony today – I often listen to him on Radio 1. I like being a student at
Highbury Grove School - the teachers are always helpful and we’ve got really
good music equipment.”
Truda White, Headteacher at Highbury Grove School commented: “I would like to
thank Spoony for volunteering his time to visit the school today. At Highbury
Grove we are continually aiming to raise achievement and encourage creativity
in learning. Today’s session was important in helping students value their
education and be inspired by what can be achieved through hard work and
dedication.“
Today’s event is the second in a series of masterclasses involving a number of
local celebrities visiting their former London state school to inspire
schoolchildren in their area of expertise and provide them with a positive
role model. It follows Groove Armada vocalist, Mike Daniel’s visit to Quintin
Kynaston School in St. John’s Wood.
For more information, please contact CEA@Islington's Communications Department: