§ 1. The Slimden Music Festival is one of the longest-running musical festivals in the UK. Founded in 1978, Slimden is a week-long festival for young musicians under the age of sixteen. There are children of all ages and they can play every instrument you can imagine. It really is something to see them arriving with their trumpets, guitars and drum sets. There’s a sense of excitement in the air. Everyone knows this is going to be a special week which could help them launch a professional career.

§ 2. All of these kids are promising musicians who have managed to catch the attention of a team of musical experts. All of them have been recommended by someone who has noticed their talent. Their performances have been recorded and sent to the team of experts, who decide which lucky youngster will get a place. Every year, more than ten thousand people apply, but only five hundred are chosen.

§ 3. With that level of competition, standards are obviously high. No one is likely to get a place without making a serious effort. All of them are still at school and they are expected to spend seven or eight hours a day on their academic studies. However, to get this good at their instruments, they must also dedicate several hours a day to practice. This means that they have little time for socialising. Fortunately, the organisers realise this and they make sure that there are plenty of chances to have some fun. There are daily trips to places of interest and there’s a disco every night.

§ 4. Fourteen-year-old Blanca picked up the flute when she was six and has been a member of her school orchestra for a couple of years. Her teacher thought she had something special and suggested that she apply for a place. Blanca couldn’t decide whether to go or not, but now she’s here, you can’t help noticing her enthusiasm.

§ 5. Many of the children at Slimden are looking forward to playing side-by-side with some of the most famous classical musicians and directors in the country. «This is my second festival and I want to be spotted by one of the musical directors», says Luigi, «I learnt a lot the last time I came and I’ve spent the last year developing those skills. I hope someone notices me and that I get offered a place in the national orchestra».

§ 6. Over the week, the children take part in various workshops and work on learning new pieces of music. They’ve also benefited from personal feedback from the professionals and had a laugh with their new friends. Everyone’s had an incredible time.