The sound of Silence . . .

Members of the band Composed Silence get in some practice as they prepare to try to take top honours in the battle of the bands at Queen Mary's School, Thirsk, for the third year running.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Mar 2010, 13:52 BST

Updated 2nd Mar 2010, 13:52 BST

The boarding school is renowned for its classical music tuition and has one of the most famous choirs in the region but there is also scope for the annual contest for which Emily Hill, 15; Maddy Hunter, 15; Jess Richards, 16; and Charley Flowers, 15; are preparing.

Ian Scott Massie, who has taught guitar and percussion at Queen Mary's since 1987, said: "This is another area of music for the girls to explore, one which gives a different, but complementary route for their musical skills to be expressed.

"They choose who will be in their band, give it its name and choose the music. We have had bands at the school since 1989 and several pupils have gone on to be in bands after leaving, and it's great fun for all concerned."

The battle of the bands takes place at the school on March 11.

Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

Thirsk