BIMM Lockdown Sessions: Creating community during isolation
Our students are known for being passionate, dedicated and constantly creative. So, when our ‘normal’ way of doing things was turned upside down, BIMM Institute students adapted and came together to create the BIMM Lockdown Sessions. Together, they’re ensuring our community spirit stays strong – and that no one feels alone in lockdown.
Each and every week, students from all locations across the UK, Ireland and Germany are playing to the nation from their living rooms via Facebook Live. Whether it’s acoustic covers or their own material, the BIMM Lockdown Sessions provide the perfect platform for students to showcase their talents – and become part of an online music community when social distancing means we can’t be together.
Creating connections in times of isolation
After all, it’s no secret that music can provide comfort, solace and unity in times of uncertainty, discomfort and isolation. Anna Partridge, Songwriting student and Student President at BIMM Institute Bristol is the creative brain behind the BIMM Lockdown Sessions. For her, establishing a connection in times of isolation was the driving force behind her creative endeavour:
Connection with our fellow students and our communities is so important, not just for our creativity, but also for our mental health.
Anna continues, “When I found out we were going into isolation I wanted to take action to help keep a student culture. It took me a few days and lots of random ideas but I settled on the BIMM Lockdown Sessions as a way to give artists performance opportunities and have something exciting to look forward to. It’s also a place for students to support each other, interact over comments and Watch Parties, be reminded that we’re all in the same boat right now and that no one is alone in finding it strange and tough.”
The reactions so far from students, staff and lecturers have been nothing short of amazing. Anna’s lineup is full every week, with incredible performances from artists such as Martha Phillips, SIMBAmusic, Eva Luna, Thomas Poggi and Fred Lewis.
The weekly sessions last for around three to four hours and start at 3 pm every Wednesday afternoon with different acts performing half an hour slots. That’s a lot of new music to listen to and artists to discover.
Anna tells us: “These artists are among so many in the industry who have lost their income, gigs and plans for the summer due to the virus. These sessions give them the opportunity to gain followers and connect with an online audience, as well as their peers.”
And it’s not just Performance students that are gaining experience and flexing their creative muscles through these sessions. Non-Performance students with an interest in events, marketing and social media are also able to sink their teeth into this project. Anna continues: “Behind the scenes is a fantastic growing team that is gaining experience in social media events, booking, graphic design and more, so this really is a worthwhile project in so many ways, and it’s growing every week.”
How can you get involved in the BIMM Lockdown Sessions?
If you’re wanting to perform, simply get in touch on the BIMM Lockdown Sessions Facebook page.
Alternatively, everyone can support the sessions by watching the live streams, commenting and liking the acts. Why not share your new favourite artists and recent discoveries across your own channels?
We’re all behind the BIMM Lockdown Sessions and will continue to support the students each week. Tune in to BIMM Lockdown Sessions on Facebook every Wednesday between 3:00pm – 7:00pm and become part of the online music community.
