TALENTED musician William Sloane has hit the right note after being signed up for one of the country's leading bands.

The 15-year-old tuba player successfully auditioned to play with the prestigious National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, which selects the country's exceptionally gifted young brass instrumentalists.

Since being selected, the Canon Slade School pupil has found himself performing under the direction of celebrated musicians in some of the country's finest venues, including the Barbican Concert Hall in London on Saturday.

William, who has been playing the tuba since he was 10, said: "When I first received the letter stating I had been accepted I was shocked.

"At the audition there were two very good tuba players."

William, who lives in Sharples, was encouraged to audition for a place in the band, which was founded in 1952 to give talented musicians the opportunity to develop their musical skills to the highest standard.

He added: "I was nervous beforehand but at the auditions, which were held at the Royal Northern College of Music, everyone was friendly.

"I had only heard about the National Youth Brass Band a year before and it was my teacher who suggested I audition.

"I went for the experience of auditioning and I was not expecting to get a place."

William has just returned from the 2017 Easter Course run by the National Youth Brass Band, in which he performed two concerts — in Uppingham School and West Road Concert Hall in Cambridge — followed by the sell out concert at the Barbican.

Among his tutors is top tuba player Les Neish. William said: "I was gobsmacked, to be tutored by him was very good.

"I was lucky enough to play in the Barbican Hall.

"Since coming back from the Easter course I feel I have improved as a tuba player."