The BIG NOISE choir is opening its doors to new members for one last taster session this Saturday, January 30 before full rehearsals begin for its debut performance opening the Tavistock Music and Arts Festival in April.

The BIG NOISE choir is open to everyone who would like to sing, between the ages of 8 and 18, and has been attracting children from around the area since before Christmas.

No previous singing experience is required – just raw enthusiasm!

Marion Wood, conductor and musical director at the Univerity of Exeter, who leads the BIG NOISE choir, uses innovative ways to teach, sing and encourage all involved.

She said: 'It's really thrilling and wonderful when the singers start to gel as a group — despite there being ten years age difference between them. Everyone is having so much fun.'

Despite the lack of previous experience among some of the participants, this is going to be no amateur show — the BIG NOISE choir is working towards a high-profile professional performance in which they will be singing alongside internationally renowned musician and composer Mike Westbrook and his Jazz Band.

They will be performing Westbrook's work 'Glad Day — the Choral Version', originally commissioned by the National Theatre and performed around the world.

It is an exciting and technically complex ensemble piece based upon the works of 18th century poet, artist and visionary William Blake.

BIG NOISE is eager to encourage more singers aged 13 to 18 to join the choir, as they want to build up the sound of the voices of older performers in order to add to what will be a powerful performance piece.

Rehearsals take place on Saturday mornings from 9am at Tavistock College main hall. It's free to take part and anyone interested in joining is welcome to just come along and register on the day.

The BIG NOISE choir will be performing Glad Day the Choral Version at the Tavistock Music and Arts Festival on April 24. For more information see http://www.bignoisechoir.co.uk">www.bignoisechoir.co.uk, or you can follow them on Twitter, @bignoisechoir