YOUNG musicians are being urged to join a marching band in Bournemouth.

The Bournemouth Youth Marching Band, which hosts its rehearsals at Butchers Coppice Activity Centre in Holloway Avenue, Bear Cross, was set up six months ago to encourage youngsters in the area to start playing brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.

Bandmaster Andy Kinch said the project has so far been a success and is eager for more musicians of all standards to join.

“We are already building up an excellent reputation and we are in demand for performances of all types,” he added.

“The concept of the band is simple. Young people come to us, receive the basic tuition that we provide and then play in the band with other like-minded people.

“Whilst we are a marching band we regularly perform concerts as well so it’s not all about marching. We play a wide variety of music from traditional marches, film and show music through to modern pop.”

The band is currently trying to raise money to purchase a set of snare drums, music stands and to improve its uniform.

Andy said the band has only a small number of instruments and although some of the members already own their own instruments, more are needed.

For more information on joining or to support the band, email bymband@aol.com