THE sound of music filled a Darlington school as dozens of budding performers spent a day honing their skills.

More than 60 year 5 and 6 students from four Darlington primary schools – Abbey, High Coniscliffe, Mowden and Skerne Park – spent a day making music at Hummersknott Academy.

They tried Samba drumming with steel drums and took part in lessons on using music software and group singing.

Those who already play an instrument worked with Ian Robinson, of Durham Music Service, and current Hummersknott students to create an improvisation piece.

Michael Fairless, head of music at the school, said: “A fantastic day, bringing months of hard work together.

“All the students performed above and beyond both in performance and composition. We are looking forward to them joining us.”

As many of the youngsters will be joining the school in September, the aim of the day was to introduce the pupils to life in secondary school.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “The visiting students thoroughly enjoyed the day and the opportunity it gave them to practice their music and to meet their future fellow students.”