Telford College trio shortlisted for music awards
Three Telford College lecturers have been shortlisted for honours in this year’s Shropshire Music Awards – alongside several of the college’s past and present students.
Ben Fitz-Harris, Jared Jackson and newly-appointed media facilitator Andy Galloway-Rose, who are all part of the creative team at the Wellington campus, have been recognised in this year’s competition.
Ben and Jared are shortlisted for best tutor, while Andy has a shared nomination with singer-songwriter Shannon Howlett for a music video they made last year.
Andy is also associated with Hartfield Studios in Dawley which is up for the best production company or studio award.
The competition celebrates talent from all corners of Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Winners will be announced on October 30 at 757 nightclub in Tan Bank, Wellington.
“I’m honoured to be shortlisted alongside such an exceptional line-up of educators in the local music industry,” said Jared, who has taught music at the college’s current and former campuses for over 20 years.
Ben said: “It’s an honour to be recognised, but the most rewarding part is going to be seeing so many current and previous music students that have also been nominated for awards.”
Andy added: “Myself and Shannon – aka Lotus Blue – are up for a shared award for best music video for her track Chinelle’s Melody.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity, and we are thrilled to be part of the great music scene here within Telford – what better way to celebrate and connect with everybody in the local talent pool?”
Other current or former Telford College students on the shortlist this year include TrippleJayy and Habitual Linesteppers, which are both up for best hip hop or rap. Habitual Linesteppers are also shortlisted for best music video and best album.
“This is a tremendous achievement for all the staff involved from the creative and music department,” said Johnathan Abbott, the department’s learner manager.
“The vast majority of the creative team still practice within their specialist fields and maintain links with industry. This massively benefits our students and their studies in that they have direct access to such experienced and committed tutors.”
The competition’s judges say: “We’ve scoured the entire county looking for the best, most entertaining and exciting musicians, covering a huge amount of genres and styles.
Judges are individuals from the UK music industry who have little to no connection to Shropshire, ensuring we make these decisions as fairly as possible.”
