The project commenced on the 7th of September, when our group began rehearsals in preparation for the upcoming performance on the 22nd. These initial sessions were crucial in developing musical cohesion and refining the overall quality of our setlist. Each rehearsal focused on improving timing, stage communication, and the dynamic balance between instruments and vocals. Through consistent practice and constructive feedback, the ensemble developed both technical precision and confidence. Following the success of the September performance, further rehearsals were organised in preparation for the October event, allowing the group to continue developing musical adaptability and performance consistency across multiple genres.
In addition to performing, I took on a significant creative and organisational role within the project. I collaborated closely with my peers, Sukhbir(also in music), Niall (technical director and sound engineer) to document behind-the-scenes moments from the Level 2 and Level 3 rehearsals. With the participants’ consent, we captured video and photographic content that showcased their preparation and commitment. I subsequently edited the footage into a promotional video, synchronising it with the track “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence to enhance the production. Although I was still developing my technical editing skills, this process provided valuable experience in visual composition, pacing, and media storytelling. Erin who studies media at my college ended up making a new promotion video that was significantly better and was also posted on the Instagram account.
Alongside the video production, I designed a promotional poster that initially served as the proposed cover for an event booklet. Although the concept evolved over time, this stage of the project contributed to the development of our collective branding and visual identity. Other members of the Level 3 Extended group created logos for each band, giving our promotional materials a cohesive and professional aesthetic. The collaborative approach ensured that all participants were represented equally, reinforcing a sense of identity and unity across the project.
A major creative component involved working with Jacob(who was assigned as event director) and Tia Richardson, a talented photographer from our college, to organise a professional photoshoot. Jacob was responsible for arranging and setting up the shoot, while Tia handled the photography. The high-quality images produced were later incorporated into the official event booklet, which served as an informative and visually engaging guide for the audience. These booklets were distributed to parents, carers, relatives, and friends who attended the event. Each booklet featured the name of every band, followed by the names of its members, and then the photoshoot images captured by Tia and set up by Jacob. This provided attendees with a clear introduction to each performer and helped to personalise the experience, allowing the audience to connect faces with names and recognise the talent on stage.
To further enhance the promotional campaign, I collaborated with Sukhbir, Jacob, and Niall to record additional rehearsal footage for use in social media marketing. I oversaw the editing process, ensuring that the final product effectively captured the energy and creativity of the performers. The promotional video and accompanying posts were shared through our event’s official Instagram account, which I also helped to manage. Through consistent online engagement, we were able to generate anticipation for the event and encourage ticket sales.
The live event took place at Bradford College’s Lister Building, serving as the culmination of our preparation and creative efforts. According to the official ticketing website, doors opened at 6:00 p.m., allowing attendees time to arrive, socialise, and settle in before the performances began. The show commenced at approximately 6:30 p.m. and continued through to around 9:00 p.m. The event was held in one of the college’s main performance spaces, equipped with professional lighting and sound systems, which significantly enhanced the concert’s overall quality and atmosphere. The venue’s layout facilitated smooth audience flow, efficient technical transitions, and effective management of performers between sets.
During the event, my colleague Jacob also demonstrated entrepreneurial initiative by organising the sale of wine within the college café. Each glass was priced at £2, and the venture generated a modest but meaningful profit. This addition contributed to a relaxed and sociable environment for attendees during intervals and showcased the inclusion of a business-minded approach within the creative process. It also reflected an understanding of how hospitality and audience experience can enhance the professional atmosphere of a live performance event.
In addition to my creative responsibilities, I was directly involved in the logistical coordination of the evening. I assisted in distributing promotional materials, managing the event’s social media presence, and facilitating ticket sales through the official website. On the day of the performance, I helped with ticket scanning at the entrance and worked with lower-level students to ensure performers were prepared for their time slots. These tasks provided valuable insight into the operational aspects of live event management, including communication, timekeeping, and coordination.
Overall, the project was both a creative and developmental experience. Our team successfully sold 170 tickets, with approximately 70 attendees present on the evening of the event. Despite the lower turnout, the audience was highly engaged, and the feedback we received was extremely positive. The process offered an invaluable opportunity to develop practical skills in teamwork, communication, media production, and event organisation. Furthermore, it deepened my understanding of how creative promotion, technical preparation, and professional collaboration collectively contribute to the successful execution of a live music event. The inclusion of the event booklet and the café’s wine sales demonstrated how attention to presentation and audience experience can elevate an educational project into a professionally executed live production.
here are the slides I created for the booklets:
and running order:
Tia’s photoshoot pictures
