THE CHANCE to visit Switzerland or tour Normandy is being offered to school-age musicians across Dorset.

The county’s music service needs new recruits for seven groups and ensembles:  Dorset Youth Orchestra,  Dorset Youth Wind Orchestra, Dorset Youth Senior String Orchestra,  Dorset Youth Concert Band, Dorset Youth Junior String Orchestra, Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra, Dorset Youth Training Jazz Orchestra.

Anyone keen has to pass an audition – except for the Youth Junior String Orchestra – and auditions are always a bit nerve-wracking, but the rewards must surely be worth it. This year the Youth Orchestra’s touring Normandy and the Youth Wind Orchestra is visiting Switzerland. Other opportunities include being coached by professional musicians, and playing at the Royal Albert Hall.

“Our students enjoy memorable experiences every year,” says David Kenyon, who lives in the Bride Valley and is head of the Dorset Music Service.  

For more information call 01258-457480 or go to www.dorsetforyou.com/music 

There’s a link on there to the County Groups page and you can download an application form. Some auditions took place last month but clearly there are still places!