A group of primary 7 school children are on the fast-track to becoming star musicians.

The youngsters from Dunlop, Kilmaurs, Lainshaw and Nether Robertland Primary Schools will be given new instruments - and two days later they will be performing in their first concert.

In an initiative led by East Ayrshire Council's music service, the Stewarton Learning Partnership Primary 7 Kick Start band weekend takes place in Stewarton Academy from Friday 2 - Sunday 4 October.

On Friday 2 October, the P7 pupils will receive their instruments and be given their first lesson from their instrumental teacher. After an intensive but enjoyable weekend of music-making, they will be ready to give their first concert performance in the Games Hall of Stewarton Academy on Sunday 4 October from 1:00 - 1.40 pm, before an invited audience.

Councillor Iain Linton, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: "This weekend of focused music making will bring out the best in the children, especially when they have a concert to look forward to.

"This creative initiative by the Education Department's Instrumental Music Service is very welcome and will further develop the talent of the children who take part".

Stewarton Learning Partnership Schools have a great reputation for their music provision and a long tradition of successful Concert Bands. This new group of Primary 7 musicians can look forward to progressing through the school band system to Junior Band and then the Senior Wind Ensemble at Stewarton Academy.

The Stewarton Academy Senior Wind Ensemble won a gold award last spring at the National Concert Band Festival finals in Cardiff.

In order to make this music opportunity available to as many children as possible, the Stewarton Bands Support Group, working in partnership with EAC, has taken on the responsibility of funding some of the instrumental tuition.

The group has set up a Friends of the Band scheme so that families, friends and supporters of the band system can contribute to this valuable music opportunity. You can find out more about this scheme by visiting the Stewarton Band Support Group website.