The Drifters Come On Over To Our Place at ACM Masterclass

Published on: 12 Nov, 2015
Updated on: 12 Nov, 2015

Iconic vocal group the Drifters gave students at Guildford’s Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) a unique performance and masterclass.

Held on Wednesday last week (November 4), the legendary group are, of course, known for hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, Up On the Roof, Save the Last Dance, Come On Over To My Place, and Under the Boardwalk.

And lucky competition winner Ginnie Breakwell, a second year vocal degree student at ACM, got the chance to perform alongside the group and broadcast on local radio.

The Legendary Drifters with ACM student, Ginnie Breakwell.

Drifters Daniel Bowen-Smith and Michael Williams with ACM student Ginnie Breakwell.

The day began with a masterclass from Drifter, Michael Williams, alongside their musical director Dan Healey and manager Kathy Mashadi. The session was hosted by the ACM’s head of creative industry development, Ace (guitar and backing vocals in Skunk Anansie).

Michael Williams gave a performance of Saturday Night At The Movies with some help on backing vocals from ACM students, Sarah Martin, Eleanor Martin and Rhys Wilson.

The students were quite nervous at the prospect of performing alongside the legendary Drifter, but their practise paid off and the performance went without a hitch.

The Drifters with ACM Students Sarah Martin, Eleanor Martin and Rhys Wilson Performed Backing on 'Saturday Night At The Movies'.

ACM students Sarah Martin, Ginnie Breakwell, Eleanor Martin and Rhys Wilson sang Saturday Night At The Movies with the Drifters (Michael Williams, Daniel Bowen-Smith, Damion Charles and Ryan King).

Manager Kathy Mashadi was so impressed at their performance, she invited the students perform live with the Drifters at their upcoming show in Croydon.

She said “The Drifters’ masterclass and recording day at ACM was a complete success,” adding that the Drifters were inspirational to the students, with their talent, experience and all round accessibility.

ACM’s Ace said “We are very proud of our students with the hard work they put in, and eternally grateful to the Drifters and their team for coming and providing such a wonderful day for all.”

Competition winner Ginnie Breakwell and Michael Williams took only two takes to lay down an incredible version of Saturday Night at the Movies. The Drifters then went on to perform two more tracks followed by a radio interview with Ginnie.

The Drifters gave a performance and a Masterclass to the students at the Academy of Contemporary Music on Wednesday, November 4. Inspirational for the ACM students.

The Drifters gave a performance and a masterclass to students at the Academy of Contemporary Music on Wednesday, November 4.

A thrilled Ginnie Breakwell said: “My family have always been huge fans of the Drifters, so when I heard about them coming in, I had to audition.

“The competition was tough and I was thrilled to have been chosen as the winner. My tutor Jono McNeil was a huge help in preparing for my performance and while I was incredibly nervous on the day, I am really pleased with how the track turned out.

“It was amazing to meet the group and hear all their stories – they are such awesome guys.”

The Drifters also signed posters as keep-sakes for the performers.