News

The Coombeshead Academy Soul Band and Folk Group wowed the crowd at one of Devon’s highest profile events on Thursday 16^th May 2024.

The ensembles were invited to play at the prestigious event by the Devon and Torbay Music Education Hub and managed to fit the event into their already packed performance diaries.

Upon arriving at the Exeter Westpoint Arena, the students were thrilled to discover that they were due to perform on the big main stage with a full PA system and space for a large audience.

As the time ticked to just before 3pm, the food court was already busy just as the Folk Group started.  The 10 folk musicians filled the stage with great live music, performing original renditions of contemporary classics. 

The Soul Band followed the on from the Folk Group and continued to impress and amaze the Devon County Show audience.

The Soul Band performed a 30-minute set which included some old soul classics and also soul versions of current pieces of contemporary music.  As they started to play even more people gathered to enjoy the music.

Many members of the public commented on how professional, talented, and pleasing to the ear both bands were, with some even making the mistake in thinking they were listening to a recording!  We were then asked by BBC Radio Devon for an interview!!

The students were a credit to Coombeshead Academy and really enjoyed the experience of performing for such a large audience.

The talented young musicians here at Coombeshead continue to challenge the distinction between ‘school group’ and ‘professional working bands’.