On 13th December, Dare to Jam was back - but this time it was bigger, better and louder than ever!

Young guitarists, drummers, vocalists, a saxophonist, a trumpet player and even keyboard players from schools across the region piled into Abbeydale Grange School's music studios to work with some high profile artists on the instrument of their choice.

While the vocalists rehearsed with singer/songwriter, Sarah Jay Hawley, formerly of Massive Attack, the guitarists jammed with Jarvis Cocker's band mate, Tim McCall. Digital composer, Nigel Humberstone inspired the bass guitarists and co-ordinated the event, while multi-talented musician, Simon Stafford mentored the wannabe drummers.

This time around, two pupils worked with freelance photographer, Jacqui Bellamy to capture the magic as it happened and at the end of the session the students showcased their shots in a slideshow.

'Stronger' by the Sugababes was the song of choice for the session and after just two hours of mentoring, the young musicians came together in a live jamming session, interspersed with the vocalists' striking harmonies.

One of the teachers grabbed a trumpet from the music cupboard for a spontaneous final jam session. Roger Edwards said:

"What a fantastic opportunity this is for pupils to release their true potential."

Dare to Jam is part of our Creative and Media Support and Enrichment programme, which includes a series of events, workshops and master classes designed to offer real access to the creative industries for schools and talented young people.