A teenage cornet player from Bacup will be taking to the stage with the National Youth Band of Great Britain later this year to play in their appearance at the Proms.

Proms

Luke Dempsey, 17, who is currently studying BTEC music at Leeds College specialising in trumpet, will play with the band when they perform at the Albert Hall in August.

He began playing with 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band aged eight and is certainly looking forward to the experience.

"I'm really excited about playing at the Proms," he told 4BR. "But I have to confess I’ve never watched the Proms, although I’ve taken part in quite a few ‘Last Night’ concerts with the band."

Principal

Luke is principal cornet with 2nd Rossendale Senior Band and has also been a guest player with Brighouse & Rastrick and Leyland in the last year or so. He will be watched by his proud parents Janet and Kevin.

He added: "Although the National Youth Band has played at the Proms before it has been quite a few years. We will be performing five pieces including ‘Blitz’ by Derek Bourgeois."

I'm really excited about playing at the Proms. But I have to confess I’ve never watched the Proms, although I’ve taken part in quite a few ‘Last Night’ concerts with the bandLuke Dempsey

Whit Friday success

Meanwhile, last month Luke accompanied 2nd Rossendale to Bocholt in Germany to play a number of concerts to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the twinning relationship between the two towns.

He was also on hand to help the band as they enjoyed yet another successful Whit Friday event, picking up numerous awards.

Luke concluded: "We won the overall prize for youth bands and we won the youth section in Delph, where 81 bands played on the night."