Growth through joy

 "Arriving on site with some brooms, bins and baking trays, Carl already had the attention of most staff and students at the school before he'd even started his workshops. In no time at all he had engaged every boy in some body percussion and then onto the junk percussion. Who knew that sliding plastic pots on concrete could make such an awesome noise? Who knew that whacking a baking tray at full pelt above your head could be so satisfying? Carl led and showed the way; demonstrating, enabling, and then allowing the students to deliver. Final performance was fantastic to watch and exhilarating to perform – smiles all round." 

The Perse School, Cambridge, October 2022 

"A huge thank you for coming and delivering such fantastic workshops to our children on Thursday. You were remarkable and had them captivated from the very first moment on stage.

Your assembly was pitched perfectly and oozed passion and positivity with such important messages about what is good for one's mental health.

The children loved the workshops, and it all came together so well for the final performance, no mean feat for 90 children on minimal rehearsal time!! The atmosphere was brilliant, and it was so good for them to feel part of something big and fun."

Elmhurst Ballet School (In Association with Birmingham Royal Ballet)

 "Fantastic workshop with Carl, full of energy and enthusiasm. Explored and expanded on the sense of musicality, rhythm and coordination with our dancers. Hugely successful, well received and super feedback from the students."

 "Carl delivered an interactive and engaging session to 50 of my sixth form students. It was the highlight of their week, and they are still talking about it two weeks on. Many thanks for your professionalism and patience with the group. The end performance was amazing!"

"We were privileged to have Carl come to deliver his outstanding STOMP workshop to a group of our sixth form performing arts students. At a time of huge uncertainty for students, with heightened restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic, this was an experience that allowed the students to return briefly to a sense of relative normality, developing their performance skills and enjoying a once in a lifetime experience. They were wowed and in awe of Carl as he spoke about his experience at the Oscars and the Grammys as they learned about his experiences in being an original member of the STOMP company. They were even more excited to be able to perform some of the original routines from the production with him. His teaching methods made it very easy for them to pick up some very tricky rhythms. One student remarked how he "was totally inspired" by meeting and working with Carl, and how he had changed some of his career goals as a result. It was extremely easy to maintain social distancing guidelines during the day as Carl was respectful in keeping a distance from the students, wearing a visor, and thoroughly following school guidance. We highly recommend Carl and the workshops he provides."

"From the moment Carl arrived at our school last week, we knew that it was going to be a great day! There were buckets, brooms, dustpans and brushes, balloons, and flowerpots, all waiting to be used by our children. The workshops were amazing, and the children were fully engaged throughout. Carl started with year 4 and within less than an hour, they were creating incredible rhythms and sounds, and you could see their confidence visibly growing. He then provided a workshop for year 5, then year 6 and ended with the session for years 7 and 8 children. He adapted the style for each age group, and it was relevant and engaging for all ages. At the end of the day, they all performed to their parents in a 3-minute demonstration for each group. Everyone was smiling and happy and parents were amazed at how much had got done in such a short space of time. I can highly recommend Carl to come and run a workshop in your school. You will not regret it!"

 "Many thanks again for the wonderful workshop you gave us just before half-term. Everyone was raving about it, and we would love you to come back again in the future."

 "We’ve just done our year 5 assembly and so the hall was filled with parents, many of whom came up to me to say how fantastic if was to see their children STOMP on Wednesday!! Thanks so much, Carl."

 "Carl delivered an inspirational workshop to Artis' arts educators as part of our summer training programme 2019. His enthusiasm and passion were infectious, and everyone was drawn into creative music-making processes through using everyday objects, room furniture and their own bodies as percussion instruments. His approach was inclusive and allowed everyone to participate and feel proud of their achievements. The workshop led to an amazing performance which brought joy to all whether a participant or audience. Wow, what fun!"

"All the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the workshop with Carl, who presented an engaging, challenging yet fun filled experience for even the timidest of participants, including some of the teachers present! The workshop offered the children an experience which encouraged them to work as a team whilst also promoting individual expression in a solo spot! The highlight of the day was a final performance for the rest of the school in which the children showed what they had achieved over the course of the day."

 "Carl was part of a term long music and percussion project with children in year 6 at Whitehawk Primary School Brighton. Throughout that time, he played a key role in coordinating the end of year production and leading rehearsals for the Kids’ Parade. Carl was always sensitive towards the needs of the children and encouraged even the most challenging children to participate in sessions. The children warmed to his inherently warm and fun personality, and he was an excellent role model for them. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and looked forward to the sessions every week."

"Our scholars had a great day with Carl. A fun, interactive and multi-disciplinary workshop that challenged the pupils and kept them engaged throughout! It was wonderful to bring the whole thing together as a STOMP performance for friends and family at the end of the day and a great bonding experience for children of varied ages and abilities."  

"In all of my 25 years of teaching I have never seen anything like this!"

"Thank you so much for your offering to our afternoon of music-making. The children clearly had a great time, and you pitched the material just right for the age and size of the group."