A WORKSHOP for talented young musicians is due to take place at Giggleswick School in March.

The 'promising performers' workshop is aimed at budding young musicians and is open to all children, aged nine to 16 years old, who are not currently at Giggleswick senior school.

Whether they sing, or play an instrument, the aim is to give interested and talented youngsters, who have reached a certain level, the chance to develop their skills with other like-minded musicians.

The school says it will also help it identify possible candidates for its music and choral scholarships. Darren Everhart, the school's head of music, said: “This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for talented young musicians to experience our excellent facilities and meet our music teachers.

“It will also help them develop their own individual skills and give them a chance to play with other musicians in ways they might not have been able to previously, particularly over recent months due to Covid restrictions.”

Music plays an important role at the school, both academically and for co-curricular activities.

Mr Everhart added: “It’s a big department relative to the size of the school, and that shows music plays a central role to life here.

“As well as two full time teachers, we have an organist in residence, a music coordinator and 14 visiting music teachers which really helps with individual instrument specialism, as well as providing a broad range of talent to inspire the children.

“One of the most important things is giving pupils the opportunity to play with other people, so we’re lucky to have three orchestras, a concert band, lots of choirs a brass ensemble, string quartet as well as a number of rock bands.

“Performing in front of others is one of the most rewarding experiences for a musician, so we also make sure we give our pupils plenty of opportunities with concerts, recitals, virtual events and an outdoor open mic event last year. And of course, we work closely with the drama department with a number of musical productions held in our state-of-the-art Richard Whiteley Theatre.”

The school has a strong record of accomplishment for music as an academic subject, offering GCSEs and A Levels, including a Music Technology A Level.

Several pupils have gone on to continue their music studies after leaving Giggleswick, including Berklee College in California on a scholarship, Trinity Laban in London, Leeds Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music.

The 'promising performers' music workshop will be held on Saturday, March 19 from 9.30am to 12 midday.

Any instrumentalists and vocalists who are currently in year 5, with a minimum level of ability of grade one, to year 11 are welcome to join.

For more information, visit: www.giggleswick.org.uk/admissions/open-days