THE Tidworth-based Royal Artillery Band threw open its doors to budding musicians from around the country when members took part in a day of musical activities.

The band, which moved to Tidworth in April last year, hosted 15 accomplished young musicians, aged 14 to 19, and put them through their paces.

The day started with rehearsals in the band room where the youngsters played with army mentor musicians under the direction of Sgt Keith Benham and were able to hear first-hand from soldiers who shared their experience of life in The Corps of Army Music.

Heavy rain stopped the teenagers from getting out on the parade square to practise their marching skills but time was well spent playing a variety of music and styles, ranging from show songs to traditional military marches.

Band Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Guy Potter said: “It has been an excellent opportunity for youngsters to come in and see how a band really works. All they tend to see are soldiers marching up and down on occasions such as The Trooping of the Colour. They don’t see the other side of it.”

“We have a lot more opportunities for singers and electronic musicians such as guitarists and keyboard players. That is the direction we are heading, more of a stage band rather than a concert band.”

Ben Kinch, 14, from Dorset, has been playing the trumpet since he was six and wants to join the Army as a musician. He said: “I got a message on Facebook that the day was happening and I want to be a professional musician when I am older, so this is just more experience.

“Today has been amazing.”