Students from Bridgwater & Taunton College experienced the trip of a lifetime when they travelled to Mississippi, USA to visit Hinds Community College, and rehearse with their house band (Room 101) in preparation for a performance in New Orleans at the annual ACCT (Association of Community College Trustees) conference.

The College has had strong links with Hinds for the past 21 years and a group of music students went on the week-long trip to experience the American way of life. The group spent time in their classes and shadowed students, with time spent rehearsing a music performance set, which was then performed to over 450 at the conference in New Orleans with performances from both groups, culminating in a joint performance as a band named “Across the Pond”. One of the students performed a DJ set whilst the guests were enjoying their dinner.

Vanessa Hughes, Curriculum Manager for Media, Music and Creative Arts said,

“The performance was a huge hit with the audience who were keen for an encore at the end of the evening. The president and CEO of ACCT, R Noah Brown even took to the stage to play bass during one of the songs and thanked the students for a great experience and fantastic evening of entertainment. It was amazing to see all the students behave in such a professional manner and really enjoy the evening.”

In addition to spending time on campus, the group also took part in a variety of sightseeing trips including visits to the Mississippi capitol, Jackson, a swamp tour and a further visits around New Orleans to experience the French Quarter Music and Heritage Music Festival.

Student, Tom Llywarch of Burnham-on-Sea said,

“The trip to Mississippi and Louisiana was an absolutely incredible experience! The music scene was incredible compared to the UK. I'm defiantly going back!”

If you would like more information about studying at Bridgwater and Taunton College please contact our Information and Guidance team on 01278 441234.