AT their AGM this week, Harlow Rock School announced an exciting new partnership with Card Trick Music, a Chelmsford based recording and rehearsal studio.

The agreement will see the charity music project’s premises renovated and re-branded ‘Sound Central’, and will remain as home to Rock School whilst also functioning as an extension of Card Trick’s current operations on the outskirts of Chelmsford.

In addition, the venue will also host live music nights, with bands associated with both partners performing for the local population.

Lee Dorman, Chair of Rock School, said whilst making the announcement “ The pandemic has made life for us, like many charities, extremely perilous. Our students have rallied during the crisis, and embraced technology such as Twitch to broadcast and perform live in conjunction with artists throughout the world.

However, behind the scenes the trustees had concerns about the long term prospects for the project over the next decade, and have been looking at various options to secure our future, and remain a free of charge option for the young musicians of our town. In addition, it was always the intention to host live music here since we moved into the building, and this partnership will enable us to do that”.

Adam Sanders, founder and CEO of Card Trick, said: “We’re incredibly excited about this partnership. The Card Trick team is extremely passionate about encouraging young people into the music scene – many of our team are music tutors who care very deeply about our students! This move will allow us to open up our services to more people in Essex, as well as supporting a fantastic charity in their work. It really is a win/win situation!” 

It is intended that work will start on the building this week, and be completed in time for a grand opening in early January.