Youngsters escaped the classroom yesterday to make some noise with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Pupils from Barthol Chapel, Udny Green and Pitmedden primaries took part in some musical workshops as part of the Haddo Arts Festival.
The children were given the chance to try out instruments from the woodwind, strings and brass sections.
About 60 children met members of the orchestra, who taught them the basics before letting them play.
The session was one of three children’s workshops lined up by the festival organisers, with more youngsters looking forward to creative writing sessions and exploring Haddo Country Park later this week.
Jenn Minchin, director of learning and engagement for the RSNO, said yesterday’s session was a way to “dispel some myths, have fun and help inspire young people to develop a serious interest in music”.
Cathy Guthrie, festival administrator, said she hoped the session would inspire some of the children to take up music, and develop a lifelong hobby.
She added: “It was excellent. After one of the sessions, one of the teachers said she’d had eight children say they would like to sign up for music lessons – you can’t get much better feedback than that.
“They really seemed to enjoy the experience of all three, the noises that were coming out were quite impressive.
“That’s great, because it sends them away filled with enthusiasm, and you never know – they may pick up an instrument and play not necessarily for life, but well enough that even if they put it down for two or three years they can pick it up again. Music is a skill for life, and a pleasure for life.”
The arts festival, which launched on Friday, includes a stand-up comedy night with Lee Hurst, a jazz performance with Alison Burns Trio and Trio Red, and a piano recital by Cristina Ortiz.
Total E&P UK Ltd is sponsoring the three children’s workshops, as well as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s performance on Sunday, which will bring the 10-day festival to a close.
An octet will play a programme of music by Haydn, Strauss and Schubert at the recital in Haddo Hall.
Tickets for various events are still available, visit www.haddoartsfestival.org.uk