WEST Devon-based folk arts development organisation Wren Music is launching a new music-making project for young people in the Okehampton and Dartmoor area.

The Dartmoor Youth Roots Band offers an opportunity for 8 to 13 year olds to play acoustic music from Devon, from England, and from around the world, under the guidance of professional musicians from Wren Music.

All are welcome and there are no auditions. No experience or music reading is needed, and the emphasis will be on having fun with music, and making friends through music.

Young people can bring along their favourite acoustic instrument, or they can borrow one from Wren Music's extensive stock.

Mandolins, fiddles, concertinas, melodeons, guitars, hand drums, etc, will be available and instruction on how to play them will be provided.

The Dartmoor Youth Roots Band workshops will be held on Mondays from 6pm to 7.30pm, at Church House, South Tawton. Dates for the summer term are Mondays April 19 and 26, May 10, 17 and 24, June 7, 14, 21 and 28, and July 5.

Taking part is only £25 for all ten sessions, or £12.50 for five sessions, or £3.50 per week.

Places at the workshops are limited, so it is advisable to reserve your place by calling Wren Music on 01837 53754 (daytime), or email [email protected]">[email protected]

The Dartmoor Youth Roots Band is part of the Devon Roots project, which will run over the next 18 months.

It has been made possible by support from Youth Music, Arts Council England South West and Devon County Council, following the success of a pilot developed by Wren Music as part of the Mix4Six Music Partnership with Devon Education Services and Devon Music Service.

Further information on Wren Music's full programme of adult and youth folk choirs, orchestras and bands, concerts and dance events throughout Devon, as well as CDs, song and tune books and other publications can be found at http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk">www.wrenmusic.co.uk or by telephoning 01837 53754.