THREE musicians are adding another string to their bows by taking part in some of the country's leading courses for young performers.

The three attend Ripon Cathedral Choir School.

Viola player Toby Baker, 12, from Healey, near Masham, has been accepted into the National Children's Orchestra, which gives children the chance to play in a full symphony orchestra.

He has already taken part in its Easter course at Ackworth School, near Pontefract, culminating in a concert at Buxton Opera House.

In the summer, he will be back at Ackworth, before the orchestra gives a concert at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Two of the school's violinists have gained places on courses run by Pro Corda, which gives string players and pianists aged from eight to 28 the opportunity to play chamber music.

Tristram Cooke, 11, from Ilkley, is spending the half-term holiday on a course at Leiston Abbey, in Suffolk, where he will learn about all types of string music, including piano trios and string orchestras.

He will also study choral singing - which should pose few problems for Tristram as he is a chorister at Ripon Cathedral.

Another chorister, Lauren Crowson, also 11, will be on the Pro Corda North course in July and will also be involved in an intensive round of chamber music.

The course takes place at Queen Mary's School, Baldersby Park, near Thirsk - not far from her home in Risplith, near Ripon. The choir school's director of music, Robert Thompson, said: "Toby, Tristram and Lauren are all excellent musicians, and thoroughly deserve their places on these important courses."

Published: 28/05/2004