FIVE talented musicians at Gloucestershire College who formed their band, Raising Tension, have secured a place in a prestigious national music competition.

The lads, all aged 17, are currently studying an extended diploma in music technology at the Royal Forest of Dean campus at Five Acres. They secured their place in the World Skills UK Popular Music competition final after competing against 20 other colleges at Derby College earlier this year where they were assessed on professionalism, technical accuracy, dynamics, musicality, presentation and showmanship.

Raising Tension consists of Mat Hoare (vocals and synth), Owen Benjamin (lead guitar), Lucas Mason (percussion) and Seth Phillips (bass) from Chepstow, and Bexley Terrell (vocals and guitar) from Coleford. Their music is described as 'alternative rock with a melodic electronic edge'.

Owen Benjamin, said: "It's amazing to be in the final. We were the only band who performed original songs during the competition heat, and will be doing the same in the final. It's brilliant to writing and performing our own songs, and that's thanks to the course team for their help and encouragement. At the finals, we are competing on the Friday, performing on the Saturday and going to a party on the Saturday night; it's going to be like being on tour."

Kevin Grey, music lecturer at the college said: "The team and I are so proud of the band. They've always had fantastic potential. Throughout the course, we have worked in the studio, nurturing their talent and further developing their skills in composition, writing and performing music which has resulted in two well-crafted and creative songs.

"A career in the music industry is so diverse, and through competitions like this we encourage all of our students to develop their entrepreneurial skills in order to have a successful future career."

The competition final will be held at The Skills Show at the NEC Birmingham in November.

Young people interested in a future career in the music industry can do so with the Creative Academy. For further information, contact Gloucestershire College Student Services on 01594 838500.