DISABLED young musicians in Dorset are called to join the nation’s first youth orchestra of its kind.

The South West Open Youth Orchestra is looking for young people with disabilities who play a range of musical instruments.

Open Up Music, the Bristol-based charity that created the orchestra has now teamed up with Bovington-based Dorset Music Education Hub to encourage the hundreds of disabled students in secondary or special schools in Dorset to join up.

Bradley Warwick, who has cerebral palsy, plays an instrument he controls with his eyes for the orchestra.

He said: “Being part of an orchestra is new to me. I love it, and feel a kind of freedom and belonging. Disability should never be a barrier to enjoying music and getting involved.”

The orchestra has held performances at Bristol Cathedral, the Palace of Westminster and will play a part in the BBC’s Music Day at Bristol’s Colston Hall on June 3.

Open Up Music also partnered up with the internationally renowned British Paraorchestra, the world’s first professional music ensemble for disabled musicians.

The music tech used by the South West Open Youth Orchestra uses was developed with funding from the Nominet Trust and the National Foundation for Youth Music.

Barry Farrimond, CEO and technical director for OpenUp who created many of the instruments used by the orchestra. He said: “The South West Open Youth Orchestra is showing that anyone with the drive and determination to succeed in music can do so if given the right support and training.

“If you are under 25, live in the Dorset and want music to be part of your future, get in touch.”

Nichola Gunn manager of Dorset Music Service said: “The Dorset Music Education Hub is excited to promote this new opportunity for musical progressions for Dorset’s students.

“There is a gap of provision at this level in Dorset and OpenUp Music is perfectly placed to provide new and exciting opportunities for our talented young disabled people in Dorset.”

Clarence Adoo MBE, was one of the UK’s top trumpeters, playing alongside artists such as Courtney Pine, before being involved in a car crash in 1995. It left him paralysed from the shoulders down.

Now a member of the British Paraorchestra, Clarence said: “This is something amazing.

“If you have the passion and desire to perform in music, get in touch with the South-West Open Youth Orchestra and they will sort out the rest.”