JUNIOR musicians from Milford Haven need to drum up £3,000 so they can perform at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall this summer.

Having made it through to the finals of the Music For Youth (MFY) national festival in Birmingham, the Milford Haven Junior School Big Band now needs to raise enough money to pay for buses to and from the event, which takes place on July 9.

Aged between 7 and 11, the 68-strong group beat off competition from around the country to be picked as one of just 22 infant and junior schools to perform at the final.

Rehearsals are currently underway for the band’s Tom Jones medley, which they will perform on stage at the finals.

Sonja Groves, band leader, said the concert will be the biggest the children have every performed.

“That we’re up against specialist schools from all over the UK is a tribute to how hard everyone has worked,” she said.

In order to raise the cash to travel to the competition, and to make T-shirts for the event, the school needs to raise around £3,000.

It will be holding a host of fundraising events over the next month, and is also inviting local people and businesses to get involved and help sponsor this trip of a lifetime.

Sonja said the benefits of being in the big band are much more than learning to play an instrument.

“With the present squeeze on budgets, music is seen as less of a priority,” she said.

“Wales is the land of song, so it’s great to see children who maybe struggle in other subjects finding self confidence and a new talent.

“They also learn teamwork, how to listen to each other and how to focus on a common goal.

“The sense of pride we have is huge. It would be so nice to see the fruits of our labour on a big stage.”

Anyone wanting to support the Big Band’s trip to Birmingham should contact the school on 01646 692705.