A music academy in mid Norfolk celebrated its 18th anniversary with a concert showcasing an eclectic and varied mix of music,

Dereham Times: Janel Spalding. Pictures: Nik Hill at Acorn StudiosJanel Spalding. Pictures: Nik Hill at Acorn Studios (Image: Released to client)

About 175 people attended 'An Audience With JDT Music Academy' at St Peter and St Paul's Church in Swaffham, which raised about £1000 for its Big Build Fund.

It was so successful that another concert will be held.

The evening started with a couple of rock tracks from the staff band, made up of Janel Spalding, Phil Starling, Nia Howe, AKA Tiggy, Jon Curtis, Aaron Houseago and Becky Haynes.

This was followed by a percussion set from former student and Guildhall School of Music and Drama graduate, Nathan Gregory.

Dereham Times: Toby Ellis. Pictures: Nik Hill at Acorn StudiosToby Ellis. Pictures: Nik Hill at Acorn Studios (Image: Released to client)

Former vocal student and Leeds College of Music graduate, Holly Allton, also took to the stage under her stage pseudonym, Erin McKnight, performing two original tracks 'Blind' and 'Glass Bridge'.

The first half also included performances from the academy's Junior Community Choir, MinivoX, original pieces 'Bereft' and 'Closer' from tutors Jon and Phil, respectively.

Meanwhile, a haunting rendition of Eva Cassidy's Fields Of Gold featured the school's rock choir RockavoX and a mother-daughter duet of 'Can't Smile Without You' featured the studio's office administrator Helen Howe and Tiggy.

The second half kicked off with a showreel of some of former drum student and University of Hertfordshire graduate, Toby Ellis' animation, film and gaming compositions.

Dereham Times: Erin McKnight (AKA Holly Allton). Pictures: Nik Hill at Acorn StudiosErin McKnight (AKA Holly Allton). Pictures: Nik Hill at Acorn Studios (Image: Released to client)

Former studio manager and bandmate Lara Leuw-Gardner was also welcomed back for a jam of dance tracks.

The rest of the second half was rocked by the staff band, and featured a performance by RockavoX of one of its signature mash-ups, 'My Kind of Hazard'.

Student Helen Wilcock said: "Well, what an evening. The talent of JDT shone through and the amazing staff blew the roof off with their multi-talents, showing they could swap between singing and instruments.

"I am so proud to have been a part of the evening with the amazing RockavoX and look forward to many more fun rehearsals, concerts and adventures with JDT supporting them with their venture of a purpose-built studio for all."

Dereham Times: Helen Howe & Tiggy (Nia Howe). Pictures: Nik Hill at Acorn StudiosHelen Howe & Tiggy (Nia Howe). Pictures: Nik Hill at Acorn Studios (Image: Released to client)

The academy is holding a studio open day at its home in Rashes Green industrial estate in Dereham on Saturday, June 22, from 10am to 2pm.

Dereham Times: Nathan Gregory on vibraphone. Pictures: Nik Hill at Acorn StudiosNathan Gregory on vibraphone. Pictures: Nik Hill at Acorn Studios (Image: Released to client)