It's strictly boys only in Perth Concert Hall on Monday 18 May when up to 1000 primary seven lads from schools throughout Perth and Kinross will take part in a massive singing workshop.
Over seventy schools across Perth and Kinross will participate in Only Boys Allowed, the first music event of its kind in Scotland.
The workshop, organised by Horsecross and Perth & Kinross Council with National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS) Changed Voices Choir and their director, Christopher Bell, is aimed at tackling inhibitions boys frequently feel in the latter stages of primary school and will help them ‘find their voice' by working with them in a fun and relaxing environment.
Positive messages in the form of vox pops from well-known figures from the worlds of music and sport encouraging the youngsters to get involved in singing will form part of the process.
Jennifer Minchin, music development co-ordinator at Horsecross, who co-organised the project with Debra Salem, a visiting music specialist with Perth & Kinross Council said:
"Boys often feel self-conscious as far as public performing is concerned as they reach the upper primary school years. This is reflected in the fact that primary school choirs are predominantly female. This can go on to affect boys' participation in music in secondary education.
"The purpose of Only Boys Allowed is to create a buzz about singing - it's fun! And it can lead to a career or enjoyable social activity. The fact that all P7 boys in the region will share this experience will, in itself, reduce the embarrassment factor."
The lads will also have the opportunity to meet secondary school music teachers on the day, and will be offered the option of participating in a boys' vocal group in the future.
And, the project is already having a positive effect with a number of boys' only vocal workshops taking place in Perth and Kinross primary schools and the setting up of several primary choirs for boys, one of which sang at the Perth Christmas Lights Switch On.
Now NYCoS, Horsecross and Perth & Kinross Council are in talks about creating the first NYCoS regional choir in Scotland, here in the Fair City.
Scots actor Billy Boyd, who provided a vox pop for the event, said:
"I think it's really important for boys of this age to be encouraged to be creative and to feel supported if they want to get involved in the arts, I know first hand some of the stigma attached to being of school age and wanting to perform. This is an incredible project and know how fulfilling and fun it will be for all involved, whether they want to take their singing further or just take this one opportunity to feel the thrill of singing in a choir. I support this scheme wholeheartedly."
Billy Boyd is well known for his film roles in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Master and Commander, The Flying Scotsman and recently Stone of Destiny; also appearing on stage and television. He has recently been appearing with his band Beecake on vocals and guitar.
Councillor Liz Grant, Perth & Kinross Council's Lifelong Learning Convener said:
"The Council is committed to working on a range of initiatives to support raised attainment and achievement by boys, of which this is an excellent example. Many of our children and young people gain much from taking part in music and other arts activities. Only Boys Allowed has been developed to encourage P7 boys to share the experience of singing and performing with their peers from throughout the area. I am pleased that we are working in partnership on this project and I hope it will prove to be a great success."