The Surrey Music and Arts Summer Holiday (SMASH) activities are spread across the county with an exciting programme that gives young people the chance to experience a variety of different activities including playing in an orchestra for the first time, trying a string instrument, producing their own music, being part of a rock band and singing in a choir.
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Dates and locations
Dates for 2024 are not yet available but will be published here when they have been confirmed.
Summer 2024 programme
The programme for 2024 has not yet been decided.
Activity descriptions
The following were sessions available in 2023.
Cre8tive Sounds: DJ & Music Production
Beat making and beat matching. A workshop designed for those who are interested in learning how to DJ and create their own music. Our workshop is perfect for young musicians who want to explore the world of music production and DJing using state-of-the-art equipment and software. During the workshop, students will spend half the time learning to DJ on Roland 505 DJ controllers, using Serato DJ Pro. They will learn how to beat match, scratch and mix tracks seamlessly, just like a professional DJ. The other half of the workshop will be spent on writing their own music using a digital audio workstation. Our experienced tutors will guide your child through the creative process, helping them to develop their own unique sound. At Surrey Arts, we believe that every child has the potential to be a great musician. Our Cre8tive Sounds workshop is the perfect opportunity for your child to develop their musical skills, have fun, and meet new friends who share their passion for music. We look forward to welcoming your child to our course, where they will learn how to make beats and create their own music that will be the envy of all their friends!
- Age: 8 to 11 and 11 to 16 year olds
- Experience: Any
Band Experience
If you've ever wanted to rock out with a band or see how it feels to perform as a pop star, this is your chance to see how it all starts. You'll get to try out electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals, and you'll even get to perform a song at the end. You'll learn how to start a band, and how to play with others to create an awesome sound. Instruments are provided.
- Age: 8 to 11 and 11 to 16 year olds
- Experience: No experience is required, just your love of music.
Pop Songs and Musicals
An energetic and fun session to sing songs from the pop world and musical theatre. Students will come together to form a singing group giving them the chance to express their musical and singing voices.
- Age: 8 to 13 year olds
- Experience: Just your enthusiasm
Strings in Action
We would like to invite all string players along for a session playthrough of some fun pieces together. Whether you are already in a string group, or this is your first-time experience playing within a group then this is a great starting point. Led by our two string specialists you will learn new skills in playing within a string ensemble and work through pieces to give a small performance at the end together. All we ask is you to bring your instrument and bags of enthusiasm!
- Age: 8 to 13 year olds
- Experience: Grade 1 to 5 equivalent
Come Together
An exciting workshop for those who play an instrument to bring it along and learn how to make music with others in a fun environment. We'll start with the basics of what it's like to play with others, learn how to follow a conductor and keep in time with other musicians. We'll use written music and make up some of our own. Participants will experience playing with others that not only play the same instrument but hear what it's like to blend their sound with all the other instruments as well. This session is especially good for students new to playing with others but can also be attended by students who have just joined a group to build on the skills they have started to master! Need to provide your own instrument
- Age: 8 to 13 year olds
- Experience: Beginners and above (need to know standard prior to coming)
Song Factory
Are you somebody that enjoys exploring your creativity? Would you like the opportunity to collaborate with other creatives? Do you play a musical instrument, sing, rap, write lyrics, or produce music? Then the Song Factory is for you!
Song Factory is a no experience required workshop where you will be creating a song from scratch in any way you like. You'll be guided by our expert tutors, but it's your ideas that matter and at the end of the session you will have the chance to showcase your creative works. Any recordings made are yours to keep and will be uploaded to the Surrey Arts Soundcloud page which you can share with anybody you like.
- Age: 11 to 16 year olds
- Standard: Ability to sing, rap or play any instrument to a comfortable beginner/intermediate standard will allow you to get the most out this workshop, but the most important thing is a desire to collaborate and be open and creative!
The Drum Project
Nothing gets the adrenaline flowing like playing the drums! If you have ever wanted to play come and explore different drums and percussion instruments in a fun and relaxed setting, where you can build your sense of rhythm, and play together in an ensemble – listening to each other and playing together.
- Age: 8 to 16 year olds
- Standard: No prior drumming experience required
- Equipment: Instruments will be provided
Other information
Concessions
We may offer (subject to availability) a discount on summer activities. When registering please tick the remissions box if you think you will be eligible.
Staying for the whole day?
If you are registering for two activities both morning and afternoon on the same day we can provide lunch supervision. Students will need to provide their own lunch and snacks. Please email surreyarts@surreycc.gov.uk to request lunch supervision after you have registered for the activities.
Confirmation
You will receive confirmation of your booking after registration. We will also contact you prior to the activity with further details about what is required for the day including arrival drop off and pick up.
For any further information email surreyarts@surreycc.gov.uk
