Last week, 21 pupils from Norwich School's Creative Writing group Writers' Bloc and the music department had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Coldplay's studio and HQ in London.
They enjoyed a tour of the studio and a Q&A workshop with Will Champion, the band’s drummer. Pupils had the opportunity to perform their poetry readings and songs, one pupil played Will Champion's drum kit, and others performed their own songs on Chris Martin's piano. With informal sessions dotted in between, they started to explore ideas and themes to work on over the next few months in preparation for the planned inaugural Writing Festival to be held by Norwich School in June.
Andy Campbell, Creative Projects Coordinator at the school, led the trip. “The level of engagement and focus by the pupils was wonderful. The care and consideration they had taken in framing their questions were mirrored by the thoughtful, passionate response and generous praise offered by Will,” he said.
The famous drummer was impressed by what he saw, claiming that he was ‘blown away by the talent and drive of the group.’
Pupils were inspired by the opportunity. “We gained a genuine insight into the life of being a top-end musician and advice that we could take home and apply to our own music, writing and other creative endeavours. It won’t be soon forgotten,” said Dan Possener, one of the lucky participants on the trip.
There will be a follow-up workshop in June, climaxing with a performance of pupil’s work, which will include poetry and singing. More details of the Norwich School inaugural Writing Festival will be available next month.
Below are some of the quotes from pupils that went on the trip:
“The trip was a great opportunity to have some insight into the music production, as well as a chance for us as a group to communicate ideas to one another. I'm excited to see where this goes.” Miles Lukoszevieze
“I am so grateful for the trip yesterday- it was phenomenal!” Grace Murray
“Visiting the Coldplay studios was something none of us will forget. Letting us into their space and having Will Champion sharing with us their creative processes and thoughts was extremely inspiring and really helped me come to terms with what is achievable.” Eleanor Perkins
