It's been another incredible year for music in Durham and Darlington. Here are just a few of the amazing performance opportunities and highlights from last year.

Durham Vocal Festival - January/February

Durham Vocal Festival brought hundreds of young people together to perform alongside prestigious professional musicians such as Apollo 5, Mahogany Opera ad The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Sage Showcase - March

Nearly 1000 young musicians performed at DMS's biannual showcase event to a sold out audience.

Darlington Jazz Festival - April

A fantastic weekend which brought international Jazz performers to the heart of Darlington.

Exam Success - June

Once again Durham Music Service achieved 100% pass rate in external exams.

Great Exhibition of the North - July

Over 100 First Access Brass Players performed alongside hundred of other young musicians from across the North East at Sage Gateshead as part of the Great Exhibition of the North.

Durham Music Service Website Launch - August

Durham Music Service were delighted to gain funding to help launch its website celebrating the breadth and quality of music making across the region.

Durham County Youth Big Band and NYJO - September

Durham County Youth Big Band were chose to work with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Great Britain in their Academy programme and Durham Music Service has also been shortlisted for the prestigious Will Michael Jazz Award 2018 for their ground-breaking work in the field of jazz.

DMS Teachers Inspire Awards - October

Durham Music Service Teachers received recognition for their commitment to young people in the annual DCC Inspire Awards. Durham Music Service was also shortlisted for the Durham County Council's Inspire Unsung Hero Award.

Durham Music Service - November

Durham Music Service received praise for their increased engagement with schools and performance opportunities in their Annual Feedback from Arts Council England 2018.

Choirs of the Year Competition - December

Over 600 pupils, form 20 choirs across the county, completed for the KS2 and KS3 choir of the year in the beautiful chapel at Ushaw College.

Durham Music Service Christmas Concerts - performed to over 3000 pupils in two days.