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Gloucestershire Business News

Student stars shine for celebrity DJ and business guru Julian Dunkerton - VIDEO

Stars from the world of music and business were the headline names at the official opening of a £500,000 music school in Cheltenham.

But is was the students of Balcarras School who were the stars of the show, performing for guests including BBC Radio DJ Jo Whiley and Cheltenham's own Superdry founder Julian Dunkerton.

The legend of the airways and founder of world-wide clothing label and serial entrepreneur enjoyed a guided tour, a concert and recitals by student from the school, proving their talents were a match for the new facility.

That facility is described by the school as a state of the art development boasting "world leading facilities" to match its already outstanding academy.

Julian Dunkerton, who was also a sponsor of the project, said: "I am committed to promoting education and supporting local enterprise in Gloucestershire.

"Introducing children to music during early development supports budding musicians and helps children to interact. The benefits are both educational as well as vocational, an option that may not normally be available to all.

"The new Balcarras Music School will encourage children to be motivated and engaged, positively impacting not only their music at school, but also their overall wellbeing and future development."

Dominic Burke, head teacher at Balcarras School, said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the new facilities. We are determined to continue to invest in the arts.

"We believe that subjects like music, art and drama bring great colour and vitality to the curriculum and for that reason we're delighted that this investment underlines our commitment in this area."

Balcarras School was able to fund this project - which has taken over a year of planning, design and construction to complete - through "a remarkable donation" from Mr Dunkerton, and the continued generosity of the parents of Balcarras students.

The facility was designed and constructed in a collaboration between RRA Architects, which has an office in Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, and Dowdeswell Estates, owned by former Balcarras alumnus, Rod Jenner and which is listed as one of Mr Dunkerton's business interests.

The building comprises a music classroom, a large music studio which can accommodate up to 60 people, a new sixth form study centre, and an additional three practice rooms.

The whole building is air conditioned and has all mod cons including a brand-new fleet of Yamaha pianos.

Helen Chong, director of music, said: "We genuinely believe that we now have as good a set of facilities for music as any school in the country."

Rosi Shepherd, chair of trustees, said: "We are immensely grateful to Julian Dunkerton for his amazing gift to the school and to the many other people who have made donations to the scheme.

"We're grateful also to Dowdeswell Estates who have gone that extra mile to create a building with real wow factor."

Pictured top: Jo Whiley, Julian Dunkerton and Dominic Burke.

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