Holly Lodge High School

Holly Lodge is an 11-19 specialist science college located on Holly Lane, Smethwick, Sandwell in the West Midlands.

The school benefits from two steelbands; Real Steel and Holly Lodge Renegades. These steelbands have been running since 2011, although they did have one before.

All pupils, years 7 to 10, are taught steelpan by the school’s music staff as part of their music lessons.

Real Steel is made up of year 10 pupils. The steelband was formed to facilitate the ensemble performing unit as part of a band for pupils who were taking BTEC Music. The pupils practice for one hour each week. This steelband have not yet performed publicly, but many performances have been lined up for June and July.

Holly Lodge Renegades is the school’s flagship steelband. This steelband is made up from the best players in years 7 to 9. The pupils practice twice a week for 45 minutes. The steelband has represented the school by playing at Civic Awards ceremonies recognising the work of people from their town.

Holly Lodge has also been granted Champion School status by Musical Futures for its high quality music education.

What the pupils say?

“It’s like magic when we all start rehearsing a song and it comes together” Lynesha

“It’s fun, motivating, it gives you new friends and gives you confidence that you can achieve” Taurai

Information supplied by Holly Lodge High School