CHILDREN from York can learn a new musical skill this summer, thanks to a long-running programme held at University of York.

Yorchestra is a holiday youth orchestra which has held sessions for the last 19 years at the university’s music department, and is available to children aged between eight and 18.

The scheme offers a wide range of orchestral courses for a variety of instruments and abilities, from Grade One to Grade Eight. Anne Williams is one of the organisers of the course, and her 12-year-old son Tom plays percussion and bassoon has attended the scheme for the last three years.

Anne said: “The courses last between one and four days, depending on which course is attended, and a concert is performed at the end of each course.

“These courses offer young players a chance to come together to acquire new orchestral skills, make new friends and have lots of fun along the way. We are really keen to encourage young people to join us and to let people know that we exist and what we offer.”

For more information on the programme, including costs and dates, go to yorchestra.org