*
banner

Hitting the high notes in Durham

41 music students have been hitting the high notes in a Durham summer school.

 

Belmont School Community Arts College, Durham is currently hosting 41 brass and percussion students who have spent three intensive days rehearsing and preparing for their end of course concert tonight (Friday 29th August).

They will be joined by guest soloist, Jimmy Hayes, principal cornet of the Reg Vardy Band.

We have definitely built on the success of our inaugural course last year. The students have all been a credit to themselves, their parents and their schoolsLaura Boyle

Workshops

Students worked with tutors Keith Norris (beginners), Tina Mortimer (intermediate) and Bruce Fraser (advanced) and also took part in street music and samba workshops with percussion tutor John Blackburn before performing for their parents, friends, relatives and local brass enthusiasts.

Enjoyed

French horn player Michael Crowder told 4BR: "I have really enjoyed this opportunity. I have made lots of new friends as well as improving my playing. I will definitely come back next year.”

Building on success

Laura Boyle, the school music coordinator and baritone player in the Reg Vardy Band told 4BR: "We have definitely built on the success of our inaugural course last year. The students have all been a credit to themselves, their parents and their schools.

"Opportunities like this are rare, especially in our region and I must once more thank Belmont School Community Arts College for providing the funding for this course, allowing it to be free of charge to all students."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


James Chamberlain

BMus (Hons) PGCE
Conductor, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd