EAGER young musicians from 16 primary schools across West Devon have the chance to take part in an exciting music day at Whitchurch School next month. Children who have been playing a musical instrument for at least one term have been invited to join in a day of fun music ? ending in a concert for parents and friends. The event, on Saturday March 12, will be the first of its kind in the area and it is hoped to be the first of many. Tony Evans has been visiting Whitchurch School for the past three years after being invited to encourage pupils to take up music by the head teacher Angela O?Shea-Warman. What started as a couple of hours of music a week has developed into three and a half days. Mr Evans is the principal of the Charles Cross Music School in Plymouth and also teaches at Tavistock Primary School and Lamerton Primary School. He said he was delighted to take up the offer to become involved in Whitchurch School. ?It was not to be elitist and was to be open to every pupil in the school. It was agreed to make music fun, and also try to form a school band ? which is unusual in primary schools,? he said. Now 42 children are in the school band, with 65 children learning music out of 215 pupils which is very good.? Mr Evans, who has a PhD in music education, said without music in primary schools, there would be no top orchestras in the future. ?There are no exams, there is just pure fun for the children doing it. It has snowballed because all the children see the school band and how happy they are and they want a part of that. ?They have the concert bug already at Whitchurch because they know they are going to get clapped. It is a big boost to their morale and self-esteem. ?Music gives them confidence in life because if they can stand up at a young age and play before people that gives them confidence to do something else,? he said. Details of the music day can be obtained from Whitchurch School on 01822 616202.