A NEW big band is being set up in Bridport next month for youngsters who wish to play and sing music.

The Mix It Up band will meet in the Sir John Colfox Academy School music room between 4pm and 5.30pm every Thursday, beginning on April 22.

It is suitable for all young musicians aged between 11 and 19, grade two equivalent and upward who want to progress their music, do something new and different, and play many genres of music in a band.

Everyone is welcome from instrumentalists to vocalists. And, for anyone who wants to play but doesn’t have their own instrument Mix It Up will be offering an instrument loan scheme through Dorset Music Service. The cost has been kept low to make it accessible to all, at just £5 and £3 for PP students. Free bursary places are also available on request.

Ellie Walker, community musician and music leader for Mix It Up, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to join together young musicians from different schools and (out of school) to play different genres and styles.

"It will give them a chance to learn from each other and collaborate in new and exciting ways. Too often learning an instrument is a solo activity when music should be sociable and played with others, whilst having as much fun as possible.”

Mix It Up is led by B Sharp music charity in partnership with The Minerva Trust, The Sir John Colfox Academy and supported by Dorset Music Service. David Powell Educationalist said: “The Minerva Trust are looking forward to the launch of this group and working with B Sharp on this exciting new after school music venture at Colfox. We are thrilled to be providing young people with new music opportunities to capture and develop their musical interests and skills, in new fun ways.”

Join the band by emailing info@bsharp.org.uk or just turn up. Registration forms available on the day. Or, if you would like to talk about it first, call B Sharp HQ 07947 334138 Visit bsharp.org.uk/whats-on/

There are also opportunities for more experienced musicians to be music mentors/ B Sharp trainees at the group.

B Sharp is currently looking for a musician to work with music leader Ellie on this exciting project. See bsharp.org.uk/jobs/