THERE was plenty of enthusiasm when 40 young musicians joined forces to create an exciting new concert band combining brass and woodwind.

The band, based in Yelverton, is the idea of music teachers David Gray and Jenni Martin.

?The youngsters ? the majority of whom are our own pupils ? haven?t anywhere to play so we thought we?d set up a band,? said David, who lives in Yelverton.

As he teaches brass and Jenni teaches woodwind they decided to form a band that embraced both types of instruments.

?We have bought in some musical scores. There are pieces such as Jurassic Park and the Pink Panther ? but all decisions will be made by the band ? what they play is up to them,? said David.

The members will also design their own logo for the band and instead of traditional band blazers they will wear colourful T-shirts.

David said the band ? which has had its first rehearsal recently ? will work towards a special Christmas concert in Yelverton in St Paul?s Parish Church.

?This is to make people aware that we are around. The band is mainly for youngsters and we still have limited spaces available,? said David.

?It has always been at the back of my head to have a band and we had comments from pupils saying they?d like to play somewhere. And we thought we?d like the mix of brass and woodwind,? he said.

?It is mainly for youngsters to play ensemble with other players of their own age.?

Now with their first rehearsal behind them the band will meet weekly on Sundays between 2pm and 4pm at St Paul?s Church Hall.

David said if any company would like to sponsor the band they would be most welcome.