Star Wakeman to open new Yarmouth school

TWO of Britain's best known and admired progressive musicians are to open Great Yarmouth College's new �2 million school for talented young musicians, actors and dancers.

TWO of Britain's best known and admired progressive musicians are to open Great Yarmouth College's new �2 million school for talented young musicians, actors and dancers.

Rick Wakeman, pioneer of the use electronic keyboards in rock music, former Strawbs and Yes band member and regular on BBC's Grumpy Old Men, will join fellow keyboardist Dave Greenslade to open the new music studios, theatre and dance studio on February 9.

Dave - keyboard player with Colloseum and his own band Greenslade - has had a career which included collaborations with Phil Collins, John Lee Hooker, Jack Bruce and many others.

The event will be the official opening of the new School of Arts and Creative Technologies that opened to students in September.

Music is a core subject of the School with many diploma and foundation degree students admiring and emulating the work of Wakeman and Greenslade so securing the stars' support is a major coup for the college.

For their famous visitors, students will bring the new theatre and studios to life with showcase performances by the band of foundation degree music students, Eight, and acting and dance students.

Students are hoping to pick up some tips and guidance from the two men who have more than 80 years' combined continuous experience in the music industry.

Music lecturers will perform in the foyer of the new building to welcome guests.

And work by photography, fashion and textiles, art and media students will be displayed.