Ever wondered what Château Vermont actually looks like behind its doors? Islanders are being invited in for a nose around this weekend… and can even have a go on the drums while they’re there.
The School of Popular Music is throwing open the doors of its new home for the first time on Saturday (29 August), giving the public a chance to see how the historic property has been transformed into a purpose-built music campus.
The Open House will run from 12pm to 4pm, with visitors able to have a look around the new facilities and grounds, meet the team and see what has been taking shape behind the scenes.
The event comes just months after the school announced plans to relocate to Château Vermont, creating a permanent base for its growing programme of music lessons, rehearsals and recording.
For School of Popular Music Jersey managers Phoebe and Harrison Collins, the Open House is a chance to show islanders the new premises rather than simply tell them about it.
The new campus has been designed to bring the school’s activities together under one roof, with facilities including rehearsal spaces, one-to-one teaching rooms and a commercial-grade recording studio.
The school also has a Mac suite for music production teaching, while the wider Château Vermont site provides grounds and communal spaces for students to use.
The move marks a significant change for the Jersey branch, which previously relied on external venues for some of its group programmes.
The Open House is aimed at anyone who wants to get a feel for the new space, whether they are already part of the School of Popular Music community or have never visited before.
Visitors will be able to walk around the premises, see the facilities and meet members of the team.
As part of the event, the school is also offering free trial lessons in guitar, drums, vocals and piano.
Beginners are welcome and instruments will be provided, with visitors able to meet tutors, try an instrument and get a taste of what learning at the school could be like.
The school caters for musicians from four years old through to adults, with tuition available across instruments including guitar, piano, singing, drums and bass.
The new premises are also intended to provide a base where young musicians can develop beyond individual lessons, with the school’s academy supporting young bands through rehearsals, recording opportunities and live performances.
Those wanting to explore the new campus do not need to be existing students, with the school encouraging islanders to simply drop in and have a look around.
The trial sessions are available through the school’s website, while those simply wanting to have a look around do not need to book in advance.
