It’s not just youngsters who will be given the opportunity to learn with the Andover based Test Valley Band organisation.

The band has started a great new venture called the TVB Senior Academy, with the objective of teaching adults to play brass instruments.

Huge enthusiasm

It has been greeted with huge enthusiasm, and in only its second week welcomed 15 new members to enjoy tuition on a range of instruments from cornet to bass.

Delight

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Most of these were new to playing musical instruments of any kind, yet in the hugely positive atmosphere, musical chords were soon being played, to the obvious delight of those taking part."

Test Valley Brass has three vibrant bands – Frostys Band for young beginners, a Youth Band for players up to 19 years, and a Senior Band. It is expected that in time players from the new Academy will be able to move on into the Senior Band.

As soon as we announced that we would be starting this Academy people were immediately saying they wanted to be part of it, and more are still saying they want to comeTest Valley Brass

Response

Test Valley’s Ken West added: "We have been delighted and a bit surprised by the response we have seen.

As soon as we announced that we would be starting this Academy people were immediately saying they wanted to be part of it, and more are still saying they want to come. The atmosphere has been so exciting and enthusiastic."