+ (W) Times Thursday April 3, 2014 braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk NEWS Talk to us: facebook.com/braintreetimes Dave brings Bad Manners to class II Musician's new role teaching in schools

Matthew Porter

A TROMBONE player is swapping centre stage for front of the class in a bid to inspire youngsters, Dave Welton, who has toured the world with ska band Bad Manners, has turned his hand to teaching at Maltings Acade- my, in Witham. He is using his musical expe- rience in the role of music pri- mary liaison officer at the school, in Spinks Lane. The school has funded £1,500 of equipment, allowing Dave to giv.evaried musical experiences to pupils at Holy Fainily Prima- ry School and Powers Hall BRINGING MUSIC TO LIFE: Dave Welton, of ska band Bad Manners, is Academy, in Witham, and Hat- now teaching, including pupils at Holy Family Primary School, in Witham. field Peverel Infant School so younger pupils can sample sec- which they will perform at a fes- Dave said: "I was head of tival in June. music for ten years then I decid- ondary school music lessons. ed to do more touring, so I could- Dave, 49, who also plays key- As well as performing with Bad Manners, led by iconic lead n't be a full-time teacher. board, said: "They absolutely singer Buster Bloodvessel, for 15 "Doing this outreach pro- love it and there is lots of natu- years, Dave has toured with The gramme is quite unique and we ral ability and rhythm among Temptations, The Four Tops and don't know any other schools the children. Edwin Starr. doing it. "When they start secondary His career has also included "I'm lucky enough to play for school, they will be much better performances with the English a few bands that are fairly equipped for their music lessons National Opera and London Sin- famous, so this is the best of as a result of this work." fonietta. both worlds." Pupils have been learning The opportunity to work in Dave was due to go on a world African drumming and singing Witham came about as Dave had tour with Neville Staple, of The to reggae songs, including One previously worked with Malt- Specials, this year, but it has Love by Bob Marley and I Can Ings Academy principal John been cancelled due to illness. See Clearly Now by Jimmy Cliff. Szynal at Greensward Academy, He will be performing With Bad The schools are also learning in Hockley, where he taught Manners at festivals this sum- the Zambian national anthem, music for 20 years. mer.