An article was published by the North Devon Journal newspaper in the U.K. on November 18, 2004 which tells how Tori helped Shebbear College in North Devon obtain a state-of-the-art recording studio.

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Thanks to Lucy for telling me about this article. You can read it below or online at www. thisisnorthdevon.co.uk:

Music star tori aids new studio

A north DEVON school has enlisted the help of a major recording star to give its youngsters a musical edge. With the help of international artist Tori Amos's team, Shebbear College has a state-of-the-art recording studio. And over the past few months it has completely transformed its junior school.

The new studio, which boasts mixing desks and recording facilities, will enable the school to start offering an A-level in music technology.

Tori Amos, who sold millions of albums and went platinum with her 1996 work, Boys For Pele, lives in the area.

College head Bob Barnes hopes the studio will be complete by Christmas.

The junior school now has a new computer suite complete with 20 flat-screen monitors, internet access and interactive white board.

And the 70 juniors aged five to 11 are making full use of their new changing facilities.

Phase two begins next year with a redevelopment of the classrooms and purpose built art and kitchen facilities. The oldest part of the college, the Quad, which dates back to the 1830s, has new double-glazed windows, and the college has also started an Army Cadet Force, which has generated much interest.

Mr Barnes said: "We want to be the best small school in the South West. I am a great believer in giving the students the facilities they need to reach their aspirations." Plans include the possibility of building a swimming pool and an Astro Turf field, which like most of its facilities will be open to the public.

Staff also hope to introduce interactive white boards to all classrooms in the next academic year, and the infant staff hope walls will be knocked down to create bigger, brighter classrooms.