ACOUSTIC ROCK WEEK
From 2006 to 2015 we had epic amounts of fun writing and performing music with a wonderful group of people. Those weeks had EVERYTHING. This site is dedicated to the songs that came from those weeks.
The Best of Acoustic Rock Week
Each Rock Week we had 6 days to write, rehearse and perform up to 20 songs. Many of those songs were incredible but ephemeral - played once and then never heard again. We always fantasised about giving them a glow up and another chance to shine. Now with new fangled technology at our disposal we've created fresh versions to give them a new lease of life.
Oporto
Written by Roberto with Jon. Watch the original performance from 2008 and listen to the 2026 version.
Belle's Rock Song
Written by Jamie and Jordan with Dom. Watch the original performance from 2015 and listen to the 2026 version.
The Proverbial Cow
Written by Gary with Russell. Watch the original performance from 2008 and listen to the 2026 version.
Moneypenny
Written by Sam with Sam. Watch the original performance from 2008 and listen to the 2026 version. This features the greatest pun ever set to music.
After The Storm
Written by Patrick with Sam. Watch the original performance from 2006 and listen to the 2026 version.
Moody Judy
Written by Ross with Jon. Watch the original performance from 2006 and listen to the 2026 version.
Land of Spices
Written by Richard with Sam. Watch the original performance from 2009 and listen to the 2026 version.
What was Acoustic Rock Week?
Acoustic Rock Week was a residential course for students at the Orpheus Centre. Before Acoustic Rock Week there was Rock Week run by the legendary bass player Herbie Flowers. When demand got so great that one week a year wasn't enough then Acoustic Rock Week was born. Following the same format as Herbie's Rock Week a group of tutors, volunteers and students would start with a blank setlist and then produce an entire show from scratch in under a week.
The Orpheus Centre
Founded in 1998 by musician and entertainer Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus was created with a simple but powerful belief: that creativity, opportunity and belief can transform lives. From Richard's former home in Godstone, Surrey, they support young people aged 18–25 with physical and/or learning disabilities to discover their strengths, develop new skills and challenge expectations – their own and those of society.
The ARW Tutors and Team
Russell Barrow, Sam Chaplin, Jon Winter, Jo Winter, Rob Winter, Phil Mackenzie, Andrew Coleman, Dominic Stichbury, Patrick Soul, Tommy Antonio, Mishka Adams, Ben Barritt, Rachel Martin, Chris Lammin, Eddie Dyja, Alex Carey, Andrew Howe, Ellie Bond, David Fuentes del Cid, Emma Taylor, David Hartley, Adam Kyriacou, Atalia Fuller, Jennifer Rodgers, Naomi Snelling, Carl Hodson, Fenna Uden, Noemi Nuti and all the songwriting student stars!
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