A TALENTED Suffolk punk-pop band have taken an unusual approach to hitting the big time by touring schools across the country, giving free concerts and teaching pupils about music.

A TALENTED Suffolk punk-pop band have taken an unusual approach to hitting the big time by touring schools across the country, giving free concerts and teaching pupils about music.

The three-piece group, one:day:life, have spent the last year passing on their expertise for free to around 20,000 youngsters.

Their sessions last all day and include a concert, question and answer sessions, composition tips and help recording tracks.

The band, who hail from Martlesham and have been together for two-and-half-years, are all in their early 20s. They are Max Shelley, of Main Road, Dan Probert, of Lancaster Drive, and Kev Abbott, of Bealings Road.

Singer and bass player Max, 22, said: “We played a lot of pubs and found that our main audience was the under 18s.

“They had trouble getting access to our gigs so we thought we might as well take the shows to them. We called some schools and they were receptive to the idea.

“We've had 60 to 70 dates so far already and we have been all over the country. The pupils really enjoy it - the response has been great.”

The trio grew up together and have been friends since attending Kesgrave High School together. They have converted a van and added beds, providing a home from home when they are on the road.

The band covers its expenses with a small payment from the schools they visit, a fee which is negotiable.

Max, who also works as a freelance multimedia designer, said: “We run workshops as well as performing to the kids. We help them with composition and tell them in general about what it takes to be in a band and work in the industry.

“We've met thousands of kids and we have a long list of referees, which means we get invited to go back.

“It's really good fun. The kids are very funny. They are less shy than an older audience and they really get into it.”

The band have returned to Suffolk until January to record an album.

Weblink: www.onedaylife.co.uk

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