Artist AER

AER fought a tough battle in our Oxjam competition. Not only did they flyer their entire city, but they also threw themselves into the NUMU community, leaving dozens of comments to promote their cause.

AER specialise in catchy, upbeat indie rock with a unique Derry twang. Check out their NUMU page to hear their upbeat anthems.

Label Baylis Court

Baylis Court have only been active for a few months but they’re already part of the furniture. Lead by a strong and media-savvy music department, they have exploded onto the scene with over 350 songs uploaded.

Baylis students have been some of our most active commenters, and they're also harbouring some fine musical talent. Be sure to check out Kuranizzzle and Soulish for their tunes and Cup Cake for their excellent blogging.

The Baylis Records label blog is a great example of how to keep your department updated with any news and events. Here is one recent entry:

22nd May 2009
This half-term has been nothing less than amazing for Baylis Court Arts College! We have had five pieces of music in the NUMU Top 10, our Arts College Choir has improved more than we could ever have hoped for, our Transition Project students have shown the local primary schools just how much talent our school has, two of our Year 9 students have earnt Level 8 (the first ever Music Level 8s at Baylis Court) and we have recruited the largest ever GCSE Music group the school has ever known.

If you’d like to nominate a label or a student for the Soundcheck Spotlight then e-mail info@numu.org.uk

NUMU is teaming up with CLIC Sargent to bring you Practice-a-thon.

Practice-a-thon Music is a unique fundraising event to help children with cancer. Young people can ask people to sponsor them to practice their musical instrument, or sell tickets to their own fundraising concert or gig. It’d be a great exercise in improving student skills and confidence, and your school or group can choose to keep 25% of the money raised.

Every day 10 families are told the devastating news that their child has cancer. CLIC Sargent is the only charity offering them care and support, every step of the way. Right now CLIC Sargent can only help two out of three families whose child has cancer. They need your help to be there… for each and every one.

NUMU will be the safe online space for young people to upload their tracks and show their progress, and there will be a special chart for Practice-a-thon entrants. For more information click here.

Taking place over 10-11th July, Rhythm of London aims to celebrate and inspire the thriving music scene of London. Dozens of events are planned across the capital for the musical celebration, from performances in schools to 'street pianos' in London squares.

The aim is to inspire and most importantly encourage musical participation, especially by those who may be less experienced or doing it for the first time. For more info click here.