A chorus of celebrities visited a Gravesend school to celebrate the launch of its new music room.

Gravesend Grammar School opened its musical doors wide open to hit record “Say Something” singer Karen Harding and drummer Andy Gangadeen from Chase & Status.

The launch of the music room was spearheaded by 30-year-old music teacher Ashton Miranda.

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Ashton Miranda and Karen Harding at the big opening

A teacher by day and musician by night, Mr Miranda has worked with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Rudimental, The Killers and Emeli Sande to name a few.

In between tours and shows he works with Gravesend Grammar School to get as many students involved in music as possible.

Mr Miranda believes that if it hadn’t been for a teacher at his own school encouraging him to take up music he wouldn’t have the career he has today.

The teacher said: “I get kids into bands and get them songwriting, recording, performing and building confidence in themselves.

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Mr Miranda has worked with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Rudimental and The Killers

“When I started only a handful of students were involved with music but now after five years I’ve worked with well over 500 students.

He added: “When I started the room I was given a run down temporary building built before the war that somehow was still there.

“After a lot of campaigning, hard work and turning the music department around they granted me money to design and build a new music complex.

At the school Mr Miranda helps organise gigs every term, a summer music festival and a school album recorded every year showcasing the grammar’s talent.

The opening ceremony was held last Tuesday (April 12) and maybe - with the addition of this new room - Gravesend will be able to one day rival Dartford’s claim to The Rolling Stones with its own global success.

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