The BDRS is delighted to announce that Rachel Broadbent, founder of RB Reeds, has generously offered the RB Reeds Scholarship for an oboe player in 2026/27.

The scholarship is open to students in full time primary or secondary education and provides up to 20 reeds over a 12 month period, helping to support their musical development.

The British Double Reed Society is delighted to announce that Sarah Francis has also been appointed an Honorary Member in recognition of her outstanding service and exceptional contribution to the double reed community.

We are saddened to hear of the death of Deirdre Dundas-Grant, former Chair of BDRS (1999-2002) and a much loved member of the double reed community. Deirdre made an enormous contribution to double reed playing and teaching over many years, and her warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication touched countless colleagues, students, and friends.

BDRS is delighted to be featured in the latest issue of Classical Music Magazine, with thanks to writer Clare Stevens for highlighting our work.

The article explores the ongoing work of BDRS, including our recent initiatives supporting new opportunities for children across the UK to learn double reed instruments, delivered in partnership with our valued collaborators.

Opening doors for young Bassoonists

The Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) is based in the Foyle Music Centre, a vibrant hub for music education in The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead. This is an update from them on their work with bassoonists as part of the BDRS North East Initiative

The British Double Reed Society is delighted to announce the appointment of four new Honorary Members in recognition of their outstanding service and exceptional contributions to the double reed community. This year we are proud to honour June Emerson, David Theodore, Christine Pendrill, and Meyrick Alexander.

A special members meeting was held on 20 July to discuss a number of proposed amendments to our constitution - the Society’s governing document.

Durham Double Reeds - a new generation was launched in the Summer Term 2025. It brings together Durham Music Service, two local secondary schools, Durham Johnston School and Belmont Community School, BDRS and support from the student body of Durham University

We are delighted to announce the arrival of the new BDRS website!

The British Double Reed Society is delighted to announce a generous and significant donation from Michael and Hilary Britton in support of double reed education in the North East of England. This transformative gift will fund the newly established North East Double Reed Initiative, aimed at expanding access to oboe and bassoon tuition for young musicians across the region.

We are delighted to announce a new partnership between the British Double Reed Society and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s flagship learning and engagement programme, In Harmony Liverpool.

The BDRS is delighted to have appointed Krista Gallagher as our new Events Producer, and we’re hugely looking forward to working with her!

RWCMD, in partnership with BDRS, throws open its doors to double reed players across the country, for an action-packed day of concerts, classes, reed-making, and more.