AYLESTONE School's annual pride and joy - Music Plus - is tuned up for another triumphant year!

The school is once again keen to attract the county's budding young musicians to its forthcoming auditions for Music Plus. Each year they can offer places on their five-year specialist music programme to musically-gifted children with the right skills and potential.

For the eighth year running, Aylestone's auditions will be held on October 16 and November 13 for pupils who will be transferring to secondary education in September 2002.

Acceptance brings huge benefits - individual tuition by outstanding teachers, inclusion on a carefully-structured programme of aural work, composition techniques, performance experience and listening skills.

Pupils are also given many opportunities to play together in the classroom as well as in the school's two orchestras, large swing band and many chamber groups. There are frequent visits to concerts and professional players visit the school for workshops and masterclasses.

Music Plus pupils also complete their GCSE Music examinations two years early and go on to take their A/S Music examinations in Year 11.

In co-operation with the Hereford Sixth Form College they can then complete their A-level Music in one year, allowing them time for more music making!

Director of music, Richard Taylor, has been delighted with the 100 per cent pass rate over the past three years - a reflection of the huge commitment and dedication of both pupils and teachers.

Aylestone is famed for its music and many pupils from this prestigious scheme have performed at county and national level. Contact the school on 01432 357371 for more details.