Academy’s state-of-the-art studio plays host to prog-rock pioneers Caravan of rock rolls into school

ASPIRING musicians and sound engineers were given a lesson in rock by Canterbury Sound pioneers Caravan.

The 1970s prog-rockers dropped into the Canterbury Academy in Knight Avenue to take advantage af the school’s state-of-the-art new recording studio, ahead of their upcoming international tour. The group were given a helping hand in the studio by students Carly Watson and Hannah Terry both 17, last month.

The Canterbury Academy which now works in partnership with Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, launched its professional-standard recording studio in March.

The facilities are available to A-level music and music technology students and amateur and professional musicians wanting to record their own music.

Caravan regularly use the equipment to rehearse for concerts and tours. The academy’s executive head, Phil Karnavas, said: “To have such a high quality music recording studio that brings in groups like Caravan means our students get to work with the giants of the profession – an experience few other schools can provide.

“We are fortunate to have such excellent resources. We also believe that by working in partnership with industry professionals – including Chelsea for our football academy Maidstone Crusaders for our basketball academy and professional agents for our acting academy – we massively enhance the experiences of our students.”

Caravan comprises guitarists Geoffrey Richardson and Pye Hastings, bassist Jim Leverton, drummer Mark Walker and keyboardist Jan Schelhaas.

Report by Lowri Stafford
Published 16th July 2012