The 4th annual Belmont Brass and Percussion Summer School takes place in Durham this weekend with the promise of an extra special performance in store.

Hard rehearsals

Over 50 young brass and percussion students from all over the North East will be rehearsing hard from Wednesday 1st until Friday 3rd September at Belmont School Community Arts College in Durham City.

Brass students will be receiving tuition from Keith Norris and Tina Mortimer, whilst composer Bruce Fraser will be working with the advanced students and rising percussion star Dave McKeague will be providing tuition and guidance to the percussion delegates.

Looking forward

The school's music co-ordinator told 4BR: "We are all thoroughly looking forward to the three days. We have our highest intake yet and I know how valuable this opportunity is for the students."

They added: "Opportunities like this are rare, especially in the North East of England and I again would like to thank the school for providing the funding for this, meaning that the course is totally free for the students to attend."

I cannot believe Bruce has arranged it just so I can play it, and that I will be the first person to perform it with the band arrangementHayley O'Connelley

Climax

The climax of the course will feature all three groups showcasing their programmes to parents and friends at on Friday 3rd September. The concert will also feature a world premiere of Bruce Fraser's 'Hellas' which will be played by 15 year old trombone player Hayley O'Connelley.

Bruce was commissioned by the British Trombone Society to write 'Hellas' for their 'Young Trombonist Competiton' in 2008, which Hayley won.

Solo feature

Bruce told 4BR: "As I knew Hayley would be attending the course I decided to arrange the piano part for full brass band to allow it to be featured in the concert."

Hayley meanwhile told 4BR: "I cannot believe Bruce has arranged it just so I can play it, and that I will be the first person to perform it with the band arrangement. It is one of my favourite pieces and have played it in several other competitions so I cannot wait unitl Friday!"