Summer SMASH Rocks!

SMASH 2023 saw another week of exciting music activities take place across the county. SMASH (Surrey Music & Arts in the Summer Holidays) activities are workshops provided by Surrey Arts to offer opportunities for young people to participate in a range of musical experiences. This year featured some of the previous popular workshops - such as being part of a rock band and learning how to create music with music production and DJing - as well as some new opportunities including song writing, playing in a string orchestra and creating some noise in the drumming project where there was the chance to try a variety of drum and percussion instruments.

The week was delivered in four areas of the county, Dorking, Oxted, Egham and Guildford, in venues such as schools, a Youth Centre and ACM (Academy of Contemporary Music). 150 participants took part and the activities were well received by both attendees and parents with one parent commenting 'I was hugely impressed by all the tutors and staff at the event. They were really engaging, friendly, knowledgeable and clearly created a great environment for the children attending.'

Area Manager, Emma Hartley said 'These are wonderful opportunities for young people in Surrey to come and try something new with other young people, and be excited about what they can produce and achieve.'

Another parent added 'Positive experience all round: great tutors and experience, lovely venue. Nice chance for parents to come and see what they had learned at the end.'

Surrey Arts are now looking forward to the new academic year providing music lessons to thousands of young people as they embark on their musical journeys.