Update from BDRS North East Initiative

The following report is from Durham Music Service, produced as part of the BDRS North East Initiative. This exciting new opportunity has been made possible thanks to a major donation to BDRS from Michael and Hilary Britton earlier in 2025. To find out more, visit: https://www.bdrs.org.uk/news/major-donation-to-bdrs-launches-new-education-initiative-in-the-north-east

Durham Double Reeds - A new generation!

Durham Music Service, part of the North East Music Hub, was delighted to be approached by the British Double Reed Society earlier this year about how to attract a new generation of young musicians.

New oboists learning as part of Durham Double Reeds

We both agreed that more needed to be done to attract young people to playing the oboe and bassoon which led to fantastic creative conversations and planning!

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

Throught the generous support of the BDRS, DMS have been able to support subsidised teaching and instrument hire to 13 young musicians this term and their progress so far has been fantastic.

Many thanks to the British Double Reed Society for enabling Durham Music Service to offer pupils in state education this wonderful opportunity. Pupils are attending the lessons enthusiastically and even after a few lessons one bassoonist in year 8 was even brave enough to play a whole melody to me!!! Smiles all round from the Music Department at Durham Johnston School!!  Edwin Holmes, Subject Leader for Music

But we know it’s not only high quality and teaching and learning that inspires our young musicians! The project will also include additional opportunities such as attending live professional performances and workshops and playing in music groups. Plans are underway in conjunction with Durham University students for our first Double Reed Workshop with special guests provided by the BDRS! We can’t wait to bring all our fantastic double reed players from across the region together.

This is just the start of a very exciting journey, and we can’t wait to see how our new generation of oboists and bassoonist develop.

A new bassoon group getting started!