UoN’s Blowsoc raise over £1500 for Teenage Cancer Trust with ‘Online-aganza’

UoN’s Blowsoc have created an ‘Online-aganza’ in the aim of raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

“We’re Blowsoc: the University of Nottingham’s wind, brass and percussion society – and home to nine different ensembles, often playing several charity concerts throughout the academic year”, as introduced to us by Kyle Campbell, the society’s concert band conductor.

In March, the society were planning on holding a concert featuring all of their nine ensembles to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust. However, this was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Determined to lift spirits, the group decided to hold an online performance. They held an ‘Online-aganza’ which was made up of over 50 different video recordings.

A performance of music from Disney’s ‘Up’ was created with each member playing their own individual part at home.

As a society, Teenage Cancer Trust was a charity close to their heart as one of their members was sadly diagnosed with Cancer last year.

Matthew Hollingworth, Maths student and active member of Blowsoc was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma after experiencing shoulder pains for weeks. Sadly, the cancer has since spread to his lungs but the society told us: “He is currently receiving treatment and we look forward to having him back in Blowsoc as soon as he has recovered!”

So far the group have raised an incredible £1600 and received over 23K views on their video.

You can still donate to this amazing cause here.

The society have received an overwhelming amount of support after sharing the video on Facebook and YouTube.

Ocean’s Andy Hoe reacted to the society’s Facebook post, commenting: “How did I miss this??? It’s amazing❤️”

Adam Blakey, Publicity and Marketing Officer for Blowsoc told us: “This has been one of the most successful endeavours as a society. Making music is usually very community-based and it’s great to see people still making music throughout lockdown!”

The society have shared a video tutorial if you too, are a music group hoping to create something similar.