Top musicians to perform and share skills with Lincolnshire students at VOICE IT 2020

Some of the UK’s most successful musicians will be working with more than 350 GSCE and BTEC music students from 10 schools throughout Lincolnshire, at the unique VOICE IT 2020 event, organised by the Lincolnshire Music Education Hub.

The event on Thursday 23 January at the Engine Shed, University of Lincoln, offers hands-on interactive sessions with renowned music industry professionals including choir leader Mark De-Lisser.

Mark is recognised for arranging Stand By Me, performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding. He has also worked as a vocal coach on TV shows ranging from The Voice to Eurovision to The Masked Singer, and his choir, Singology Choir has supported Stormzy on tour. Mark also worked on Children in Need Got it Covered as a mentor to the actors and was the presenter for Meet the Street at Christmas for BBC1. 

Mark said, “VOICE IT 2020 is a brilliant immersive experience which gives students the chance to try out song writing, being in a choir and beat boxing. It’s a joyous occasion where many people can get together and have lots of fun.”

Students will have the opportunity to take part in workshops on songwriting, stagecraft, performance techniques, beat boxing and many more. Plus there’ll be an open mic session and a chance for everyone to perform together at the end of the day.

Jennifer McKie, senior music adviser, Lincolnshire Music Service, added, ‘VOICE IT 2020 is a fantastic opportunity for young musicians and singers to learn from some of the best in the music business. Whether their passion is singing in a choir, playing an instrument or writing their own songs, students will be able to perform alongside and pick up some top tips from musicians who are at the top of their game.”

Other musicians leading the live workshops are:

• Elliott Morris – a singer songwriter who was raised in Wales and Lincolnshire. He tours almost constantly across the UK, from Orkney to Plymouth and Boston to Belfast, and has supported numerous top acts from Ed Sheeran to Big Country and The Levellers.
• Carl Hudson – a pianist and keyboardist who has performed with numerous acts including Professor Green, Emeli Sande,  Tina Arena and Boy George / Culture Club. 
• Simon Bates, (saxophonist) and Harry Harris, (pianist) have played with the celestial stars of pop, rock, jazz and blues, from David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Rick Astley, Charlotte Church, Andrea Bocelli, Kylie Minogue to Julie Andrews! 
• Bellatrix – three-time former female world champion beatboxer who performs  regularly and gigs up and down the country.