The FREE annual Christmas lecture hosted by ITWales and the South Wales Branch of the British Computer Society (BCS) – The Chartered Institute for IT will take place on 11^th December at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea.

Join Physics and Music Guru Wendy Sadler, founding Director of science made simple, to find out lots of unusual ideas on how you can make music at your Christmas party this year.

Before the age of digital recording, families used to sit round the fire and make their own music, but now we can use machines of all kinds to improve the process and help those of us with a less musical ear enjoy the auditory joys of Christmas music. Wendy will take you on a tuneful tale of how technology has transformed the ways we make, record and modify sound. From the basics of how we generate sound with our voices to the way computers - and even phone apps - can help you sing in tune.

Professor Faron Moller, of Swansea University, Director of one of ITWales major projects, Technocamps, said, ‘This annual Christmas lecture is always a big hit with businesses, families and schools and this year it will give a great insight into the world of technology, with another Christmas twist.  The audience will be treated to an inspirational talk from science made simple CEO, Wendy, who will explore music through technology, a fun and interesting lecture not to be missed.’

Wendy Sadler, Founding Director of science made simple, said, ‘It’s great to get an opportunity to share my passion for the science of two things I love to get for Christmas; gadgets and music! I love the fact that technology has really made music an inclusive thing for all, regardless of talent but it does raise some interesting issues about just what can happen when technology starts to take over!’.

The event is free to attend and supported by ITWales’ two major projects, Technocamps and Software Alliance Wales. If you are interested in coming along then you can register at http://itwalesbcsxmaslecture.eventbrite.com/# or you can contact ITWales direct on 01792 606652 or email sian.jones@swansea.ac.uk 

Jeremy White, event manager for the South Wales Branch of the BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT, said “Our Christmas event has always been a good evening out for anyone interested in how computers affect our lives and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or just one of their family, these talks are always thought out to have wide appeal.  I know that this one will put a different slant on the tunes we hear throughout the Christmas holidays; prepare to be intrigued.”

Science made simple

Science made simple is a social enterprise with a passion for science and all things associated with it! We aim to share our enthusiasm by offering a selection of inspirational and educational experiences that are tailor-made for schools, festivals, adult audiences and the public. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, to engage the wider public with STEM (Science, technology, engineering and maths) as part of popular culture, and to strengthen connection between researchers and the public.

We do this by training professional science communicators for high quality science shows, through a variety of formats. These include live presentations, demonstrations, theatre techniques and other artistic means. We also develop educational materials and create accessible science articles and media for the public.

British Computer Society – The Chartered Institute of IT

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT champions the global IT profession and the interests of individuals engaged in that profession for the benefit of all. The Institute fosters links between experts from industry, academia and business to promote new thinking, education and knowledge sharing. Through continuing professional development and a series of respected IT qualifications, the Institute seeks to promote professional practice tuned to the demands of business. It provides practical support and information services to its members and volunteer communities around the world. The Institute also collaborates with government, industry and relevant bodies to establish good working practices, codes of conduct, skills frameworks and common standards. It also offers a range of consultancy services to employers to help them adopt best practice.

ITWales

ITWales was established in 1993 as the industrial liaison unit of the Department of Computer Science, Swansea University. To date it continues to grow with two multi million pound ESF funded projects, Software Alliance Wales (£13m), Technocamps (£6m) and its successful Student & Graduate Work Placement scheme.

The bi-monthly 'ITWales Magazine' continues to be a valuable online resource for business and academia in Wales - providing exclusive news, features and interviews on the technology and IT industry in Wales.

Technocamps

The project is backed by £3.9 million from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, the project delivers a series of outreach programmes to schools, colleges and other educational providers within the convergence area of Wales, inspiring young people to consider the computing-based topics underpinning the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Technocamps has the long term goal of encouraging them to pursue careers in an area that will drive economic growth in Wales.

Technocamps is led by Swansea University in partnership with the universities of Aberystwyth, Bangor and Glamorgan.

Software Alliance Wales

Software Alliance Wales supports innovation and growth amongst the ICT and Software Sector within the Convergence areas of Wales. It creates a platform for developers across the region to network and share best practice, and to promote Wales as a key driving force in Software Development. The project is led by Swansea University in partnership with the Universities of Bangor, Glamorgan, Aberystwyth, and University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Software Alliance Wales is funded by the EU's Convergence European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

Student and Graduate Work Placements

ITWales offers a student and Graduate Placement Scheme, specialising in arranging Work Placements in IT & Computing for businesses across Wales. As the Industrial Liaison arm of the Computer Science Department at Swansea University we have access to specialist IT knowledge.

For further information, contact Siân Jones, Communications Manager on 01792 606652 or email communications@technocamps.com.