PUPILS at a Newport primary school are busy practising their musical notes for their upcoming big moment on stage.

The regional round of the National Festival of Music for Youth, in County Hall, Cwmbran, will be only the second time the youngsters from Malpas Church in Wales Infants School have performed in front of an audience as a pre-orchestra.

With their six violins and two cellos, they have joined pupils from other Gwent primary schools with whom they meet once a month.

The pre-orchestra is for children who cannot yet read music because of their young age.

In the Cwmbran competition, in March, reception, year one and year two pupils will take on around 100 other ensembles from across Gwent, in order to go through to the National Festival of Music for Youth in Birmingham.

The Malpas school places a strong emphasis on music and it is known for its excellence in the field.

Violin teacher Sarah Mclellan, who is leading the practice sessions there, says she is looking forward to the competition and they children have enjoyed it so far.

"They are really enthusiastic," she added.