ON Saturday, October 11, Crediton Youth Orchestra hosted a Learn to Play Day, part of the Music For All nationwide event to encourage young people to learn musical instruments.

We had a lot of fun and met some incredibly enthusiastic young budding musicians at Crediton Congregational Church from all over Mid Devon!

All our tutors of strings, wind and brass were kept very busy throughout the day, demonstrating and teaching young people how to hold instruments and make a good sound. Some even managed to play short tunes which was fabulous!

Thank you to everyone who took part in the day. It is very encouraging to know that there are so many young people who can’t wait to start to learn an instrument!

We hope you will all pursue your interest and hope to see you very soon playing in one of our groups or one in your school or local area.

Crediton Youth Orchestra is open to all musicians from beginner to grade eight and up so please message us for more information on joining. We also have lots of beginner and advanced ensembles, something for everybody!

We are lucky to be supported by Devon Music Education Hub and Crediton Town Council.

Running for over a decade, Learn to Play aims to inspire, encourage and enable both new and lapsed music-makers to enjoy the huge benefits of music-making, as well as connecting and championing UK music providers.

Music for All General Manager Sonali Banerjee said: “Learn to Play activities are needed now more than ever and through our regional music-making events, we aim to support and inspire as many people as possible in experiencing the unique joys and benefits of music-making.

“Learn to Play arrives at a time where music-making opportunities are difficult to access due to current continued real terms cuts to arts education.”