Students from Abbey College in Ramsey have released their own album inspired by their school grounds and its local heritage. 

Called Shotgun-14 by TPOAC, the album was launched as part of a project with Common Ground, a progressive organisation that helps young people explore heritage in East Anglia. 

TPOAC stands for Ten Pupils of Abbey College who recorded each track without any experience in composing this genre of music. 

Led by talented sound artist Bill Vine with the help of young musician Jack Wilkin, Year 9 and 10 students took part in a series of heritage workshops where they explored various recording techniques that led to the new album's release. 

The Hunts Post: Called Shotgun-14 by TPOAC, the album was launched as part of a project with Common Ground, a progressive organisation that helps young people explore heritage in East Anglia.Called Shotgun-14 by TPOAC, the album was launched as part of a project with Common Ground, a progressive organisation that helps young people explore heritage in East Anglia. (Image: Abbey College)

Over the course of a year, the students learnt how to use professional recording equipment, trialling hydrophones, geophones, Shotgun and binaural microphones.  

By the end of the four sessions, students had mastered how to compose this type of music and were tasked with producing their own pieces. 

One student said: “'It has opened my eyes to a world of music that exists that I didn't know about before”, whilst another added: "It has made me stop and listen more to what goes on around us in different places.”  

Following the sessions, students worked together, gathering sounds in and around the school and the Abbey. 

They set out on their musical mission with their new-found knowledge and recording gear, creating soundscapes from the basement of the Abbey building, the gardens and the duck pond. 

The Hunts Post: Called Shotgun-14 by TPOAC, the album was launched as part of a project with Common Ground, a progressive organisation that helps young people explore heritage in East Anglia.Called Shotgun-14 by TPOAC, the album was launched as part of a project with Common Ground, a progressive organisation that helps young people explore heritage in East Anglia. (Image: Abbey College)

The Hunts Post: Year 9 and 10 students took part in a series of heritage workshops where they explored various recording techniques that led to the new album's release.Year 9 and 10 students took part in a series of heritage workshops where they explored various recording techniques that led to the new album's release. (Image: Abbey College)

Their full album is being hosted on Bill’s record label, Ryoanji Records. 

Founded in 2021, the new label releases experimental and electroacoustic music and was delighted to share the ten compositions created by Ten Pupils of Abbey College. 

Headteacher at Abbey College, Andy Christoforou, said: “The fantastic album is a testimony to the dedication and hard work that students have put into the sessions with leading music artists, Bill Vine and Jack Wilkin.  

“Providing students with chances like this helps them to see their potential, develops important skills and could kickstart a career in music.” 

You can download the album for free by visiting: tpoac (bandcamp.com)