United in Music: Celebrating Black Music

The School of Music presents United in Music 7–9 May. Enjoy African percussion, performances from students and local groups, and Caribbean-inspired drinks and snacks.

In December 2024, our visionary School Rep Lydia-Faith Smith sparked a powerful idea: to host an event that would honour and celebrate the richness of Black culture and musicianship in Leeds. Her proposal resonated deeply within the school community and a dedicated group of students, support staff, and academics rallied behind her vision. The result is a three-day celebratory event dedicated to spotlighting the contributions of students and local artists to celebrate the unity and diversity of music-making. Over three afternoons from 7-9 May the School will host a djembe workshop, fabulous student performers from a range of musical traditions, and a special performance from a Carnival troupe based in Leeds.

Throughout the celebration there will be opportunities to try Caribbean-inspired drinks and snacks available from the Clothworkers Bar. Come and celebrate music with us! For more information, please contact the School of Music.

Wednesday 7th May
Djembe Workshop
Rehearsal Hall
3:30 – 4:25pm
Student Showcase: Tiffany Mobisa & Lydia-Faith Smith
Clothworkers Bar
4:35 – 520pm
Leah Welsh Project
Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall
6:00 – 7:30pm
 
Thursday 8th May
FAHC World Fair
Clothworkers Bar
1:00 – 3:00pm
Student Showcase: Eszter Vida, Joseph Barron, Django Durrant, Aminah Abdul-Rahim
Clothworkers Bar
3:25 – 5:00pm
 
Friday 9th May
Carnival Troupe
From Edit Room to School of Music
2:05 – 3:00pm
Welcome & Thanks
Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall
3:00 – 3:10pm
Student Showcase: Jen Townsend & Ellie Stainsby-Grenville
3:10 – 4:00pm
Open Decks: Kalila Hambloch (DJ)
7:00 – 8:00pm

Head to the School of Music Instagram to learn more and see some behind the scenes sneak peeks @uol_musicstudents