Bhubaneswar, Oct. 24: Students of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and music enthusiasts here got a rare opportunity to rub shoulders with the members of Wild Palms - a popular London-based alternative rock music band.

At least 40 students from the university took part in a workshop conducted by the four-member band that is a part of The Selector - an award winning radio show by the British Council that covers all styles of music such as Indie, dub-step, folk, soul, electro and everything in between.

Wild Palms comprising Lou Hill on vocals, Darrell Hawkins on guitars, Gareth Jones on bass and James Parish on drums, performed before the students and taught them about the finer elements of music and instruments.

"They spoke about the different equipment and sound balance along with the intricacies of recording and the mixing. It was a great learning experience," said Surjo Sen Gupta, a student participant, who plays violin.

"They asked us to play and then corrected our errors. The session was extremely helpful," said Krishnaprio, who is an avid keyboardist.

It is interesting to note that KIIT University has 15 student bands.

The evening saw the band perform at the university.

The workshop and the rock show were part of the British Council's efforts to enhance creative and cultural connections between India and Britain.

"We are looking at cultural exchanges that celebrate, reconnect and inspire. I realise that performing arts can change the world. I am delighted that we have been able to bring a band from the British Council's The Selector Live programme to Bhubaneswar.

The British Council plans to bring The Selector to Indian radio channels in the near future and there will be many more music initiatives," said Alan Gemmell Obe, the director of British Councils in India.

"Bands and cultural groups from Odisha will also be invited to Britain as part of the exchange," said Obe.

The Selector by the British Council features interviews and exclusive live sessions from some of the most exciting British artistes and is broadcast in over 40 countries. They aim to promote the sounds, talents and musical culture of modern Britain to an international audience, said one of the organisers at the event.

"Such initiatives aim to strengthen the link between India and Britain. We have a wide network of 25,000 students over 22 campuses and I am sure they will enjoy this show. We extensively work with international organisations from across the world and help them make connections with Odisha." said Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT.