CALLING young musicians - Hampshire Music Service is on the hunt for new members for one of its ensembles.

There will be auditions for accomplished young brass, string, woodwind and percussion musicians to join the county's Youth Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Brass Bands for the next academic year.

Membership is open for all pupils up to 19-years-old who are in full-time school or college education.

Hampshire County Council's executive member for education, Cllr Peter Edgar, urged musicians to get involved.

He said: "Our ensembles are renowned for their high standards, resulting in exciting performances. For young musicians to be part of that is one of the best experiences that they can have.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to broaden musical experience and seize the chance to play music to audiences, not just in Hampshire, but all over the UK and abroad.

"Aside from the benefit of being able to hone their talent, playing regularly in an ensemble offers social benefits too and is an enormous confidence booster. A whole new world of musical discovery is there for those budding young musicians."

There are currently vacancies with the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra, for bassoons grade seven and above, double basses grade four and above, percussion grade five and above, orchestral pianist grade seven and above, and violins and violas grade five and above.

There are also spots for the Hampshire County Youth Wind Ensemble for wind, brass (particularly French horn) and percussion at grade four to post grade eight standard.

Brass and percussion players, with a minimum of grade three, are being sought for the Hampshire County Youth Brass Band.

Priority will be given to Hampshire residents, followed by non-residents attending schools or colleges in the county.

Dates are still being finalised for the auditions, which are expected to be in July.

To register an interest for an audition contact Hampshire Music Service on 02380 652037 or email music.service@hants.gov.uk.