Around 40 young musicians of the Cornwall Youth Band will be spending four days of their Christmas holidays rehearsing and studying under the baton of Dr Stephen Cobb, Staff Bandmaster of the International Staff Band of The Salvation Army.

Festive treat

And as a fantastic festive treat they will be joined by Stephen's son Philip, the Principal Trumpet of The London Symphony Orchestra, as the guest soloist.

Aged between 10 and 21 the youngsters have enjoyed monthly tuition from talented local conductors in preparation for the twice yearly course held at Truro High School for Girls, with it also being the second time that the band has welcomed the Cobb duo following their last visit in 2007.

World premiere

One of the musical highlights this year will be the world premiere of 'The Great Storm Cat' by composer Paul Saggers.

Paul is cornet player in the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines in Plymouth. He has recently undertaken a Bachelor of Music Degree and is currently continuing his studies with a Masters Degree in Composition.

And as a fantastic festive treat they will be joined by Stephen's son Philip, the Principal Trumpet of The London Symphony Orchestra, as the guest soloist4BR

Course concert

His work, 'The Roar of The Khamsin' was short-listed for the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama's 2017 Composition Competition, whilst this latest work is based on the famous traditional Cornish tale of the 'Mousehole Cat'.

The end of course concert will take place at St Michael's Church in Newquay on Wednesday 30th December at 7.00pm.