Full score facility for budding maestros

A bid to pitch practice opportunities at a broader range of instrumentalists has been unveiled at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House in Wisbech.

A music practice group, which is open to all instrumentalists, is being launched as the successor to the piano practice group, which has been running for the last seven years at the museum at 7 South Brink dedicated to the town’s most famous daughter, who was a co-founder of the National Trust.

The group is set to continue to meet at the house all the year round on the first Saturday of each month at 10am for 60 minutes and on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm for 90 minutes.

Musicians of all abilities aged from seven to over 80 gather in the handsome Long Room, where the grand piano is situated, and half of the £2 fee for adult players goes to the piano fund, which will be used to refurbish or replace the 90-year-old instrument. For children showcasing their talents there is a fee of £1.

Parents, spouses and partners of the performers are most welcome to come along and swell the ranks of appreciative admirers.

Organizer Clive Donald, who is orchestrating the development of the group, said: “The main reason for opening this up to a wider range of instrumentalists is that more musical students will now have the opportunity to practise in front of a small, friendly audience.”

Newcomers hoping to snap up this chance to hone their performance skills should contact Mr Donald either by telephoning 01945-474818 or by emailing him at clivedonald268@btinternet.com .