FLAUTISTS will be flocking to Kendal from schools across Cumbria next week to take part in a musical masterclass.

Kendal Town Hall is playing host to Cumbria Flute Day next Friday February 15 – an event that will see pupils between the ages of nine and 16 take part alongside some adults in flute-related activities and a workshop.

Organised by Suzanne de Lozey from the British Flute Society and Sarah Barkway from Cumbria Music Service (CMS), the workshop is being run by renowned flautist Stephen Clark.

The event, taking place between 10am and 5pm, will provide an opportunity for students to practice scales and have fun, learn how to make a better sound, try playing flutes such as the piccolo, alto and bass flutes, learn about repair and maintenance and participate in ensemble playing.

A range of primary and secondary schools from around Cumbria are sending pupils to the event that will conclude with a performance by Stephen Clark and Flutes & Co in concert at 4.15pm. The concert is open to the public.

Cumbria Music Service is the lead organisation of the Cumbria Music Hub which is supporting this flute day. CMS is part of Cumbria County Council’s Children’s Services directorate and provides instrumental and vocal tuition, classroom curriculum support, ensemble presentations and delivers the Wider Opportunities Programme which is aimed at making music and learning an instrument more accessible to children.

Instrumental and vocal tuition is offered in groups to both primary and secondary schools while curriculum support, ensemble presentations and the Wider Opportunities Programme are provided to whole classes in primary schools.

Coun Duncan Fairbairn, CCC's cabinet member for schools and learning, said: “Cumbria Flute Day will be a great opportunity for pupils from schools around the county to get together and have fun while developing their flute-playing skills.

“Cumbria Music Service does a tremendous amount of good work in delivering quality music education, and working in partnership with local music educators to provide courses such as this is an important part of enhancing the musical experience on offer to the county’s children.”

The following schools are taking part in Cumbria Flute Day: Ullswater Community College; The Lakes School, Old Hutton Primary, Crosscrake Primary; St Cuthbert’s Primary; Holme Primary; Cartmel Primary; North Lakes Primary; Heversham Primary; Storth Primary; Queen Elizabeth School Kirkby Lonsdale; Levens Primary; Over Kellet Primary; Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith; Cockermouth School; Crosby Ravensworth Primary; Windermere Primary; Kirkbie Kendal; Queen Katherine School.