IPSWICH: Young musicians are being offered an exciting opportunity to win prizes for their school and perform on stage – thanks to The Evening Star.

We’ve teamed up with Ipswich rockers Underline The Sky to set up Love Music Live, exclusively for budding bands in the Ipswich area.

As part of the competition, Underline The Sky will be popping into schools to talk to youngsters about their experiences within the music industry.

The project will also give bands a chance to enter a competition to win top prizes and the chance to perform at a prestigious gig later this year.

Sam Robson, events rep for Archant, who helped to organise the scheme, said: “We wanted to do something to give young musicians a chance to shine.

“There are a lot of talented people out there who are at school and in bands and maybe not sure what to do next.

“Getting a band like Underline The Sky to come and visit schools, who are a young band themselves, will prove really beneficial.

“The main aims are to create networking opportunities for young musicians, to give them the chance to get their talents noticed and to give them some really good advice.”

It’s hoped that the group, who played in front of thousands at the V-Festival in 2009, will visit ten schools in the Ipswich area.

During their visits, they will talk to pupils about their experiences, the music industry and work with youngsters to create an ensemble piece of music.

Dan Oaten, the group’s guitarist, said: “This is a great chance for us to meet talented young people looking to get into the industry.

“We’re looking forward to it – if our advice can help any young bands to progress then that would be a big achievement.”

Youngsters can also enter their band in an exclusive contest which will see the overall winners perform at a glamorous event in Ipswich later this year.

The competition will have three award categories – Best Image, Best Sound and Best Performance – with each winner receiving �500 worth of equipment for their school’s music department.

For more information about Love Music Live, visit www.lovemusic24.co.uk and www.eveningstar.co.uk

n Are you part of the Love Music scene? Give us your views. Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or alternatively you can send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk