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College chosen as venue for first ‘Library Session’

The new Idris Elba film studio at the East London Institute of Technology, part of Barking & Dagenham College (@BarkingCollege) was a buzz of musical activity this week, after it was chosen as the host for the launch of a series of live music sessions as part of Black History Month. 

Soul and Sound is an organisation that works to inform, train, guide and empower young people, families and other disadvantaged groups from BAME, marginalised and socially-excluded communities.  As part of its work, it uses music for social and life-skills development.  As such, as part of Black History Month, working alongside LBBD’s Cultural Service and the College, it has set up ‘The Library Sessions’, a live and online musical showcase of young, up and coming talent from the borough, as well as from across London and the UK.  For the event at the Idris Elba film studio the artistes involved were Ivanmore and Daisy DM.  

Ivanmore said:

“This was a fantastic experience; a place of unity and a collective effort of magic making. Preserving the now and presenting the future.” 

Daisy DM added:

“This was an awesome session of strong energy, close-knit fun making media magic shine.” 

The students from the College not only got to see the performances, they were also a key part of the team – getting to film the acts, direct the performances, be in charge of set design and the lighting. 

Lucy Mckinnon, and Rosie Atkins, both 17, from Dagenham were involved with both the set design and lighting.  They commented:

“We are so grateful to have such unique opportunities through the college links, that we wouldn’t get elsewhere! It was a great experience working with local, talented artistes. We had a brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed the shoot.  

Marcel Andrew, from Soul and Sound added:

“This was the first ‘Library Sessions’ we did at the Idris Elba Film Studio with the organisation Soul and Sound and it was amazing; the facilities are brilliant and the students were so professional and did a great job of filming the acts.” 


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