ONE of the city's most historic venues is being filled with music as hundreds of schoolchildren perform a series of concerts.
Pupils from schools across the city have been learning instruments since September.
It is part of the Wider Opportunities programme, designed to get as many children playing a musical instrument as possible.
Chris Maynard, head of the Music Service, said: "This is part of a big project which we do in Hull schools called Wider Opportunities, where we teach classes of children to play instruments.
"We can do this because of the funding support we get from the local authority, which is second to none.
"It means we can do this and make the lessons available to schools so thousands can take this opportunity to learn."
The youngsters have been learning their instruments since September, which include string and wind instruments.
"We have 1,600 children coming together and we have also invited some children back who have been playing longer now to play some of the more complicated parts
"This has been a great experience for them and who knows, we might find from this the professional musicians of the future, which is what it is all about."
Pupils have had an hour a week with music service staff on the project.
Yesterday saw the first 400 children from seven schools join together at Hull City Hall.
They joined up for a practice session in the morning before performing together in the afternoon to parents and families.
It was the first of a four-day programme which will see 1,600 youngsters play at the venue.
Yesterday and today, it is the turn of the string instruments.
Dominic Wright, head of strings at the music service, said: "The pupils are coming together for the first time and taking part in a huge concert.
"It is giving them the experience of playing in a great venue like city hall.
"They love it.
"It is a great opportunity and they are very lucky they can play real instruments."
Caitlin Staves, nine, of Holy Name Primary School, said: "I like playing it with my fingers the best rather than the bow.
"We held a practice session first and in the afternoon we are doing a concert.
"It is exciting for all the schools to play together."
Leonardo Rodrigues, ten, said: "I like using the bow. We have been practising hard for this.
Millie Ream, ten, a year five pupil at Holy Name Primary School, said: "I have been playing for two years and today we are going to play in a concert for the adults.
"I really like the sound it makes and I like to play the Can Can. My mum and nan are coming to watch and I'm excited for them to see me."
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