STATE school pupils got a chance to show off their musical talents at an Oxford private school.

The Dragon School, in Bardwell Road, North Oxford, invited musical children from local primaries to a day of workshops and improvisation sessions.

James Pullinger, 11, from St Joseph’s School, Headington, said: “We felt like a proper orchestra because we were playing with professional musicians”.

The pupils received expert tuition on the day from members of the Oxford Philomusica Orchestra.

Margaret Lack, 10, from St Joseph’s said: “I had a great time. It was fun learning new pieces with the Philomusica orchestra.”

The music day, on Tuesday, followed on from a successful trial of the scheme last year.

Dragon School pupil Bliss Billson said: “It was a really great day and a good experience for players who have only been playing for a few years. My favourite bit was putting the whole piece together because it sounded so good. It was a great idea and I made friends with girls in my group from other schools.”