Together we can Make Music and Change Lives

On a bright sunny summer evening I had the privilege to be invited to the Household Division Military Musical Spectacular at Horse Guards Parade in London. What a wonderful celebration with music that highlighted the Queen's decicated service to her country and its citizens over the last 70 years. It occured to me that BYMT has been around in one form or another for over half this time and has been equally dedicated to providing music services to the community. We quietly celebrate our young students' achievements - great and small - and every now and again we come across a former pupil when we are least expecting it. Last night we noticed that a former BYMT band member was playing a Saxophone solo - how proud we were to know that BYMT played a part in his musical journey! Another pupil, leaving this year, be joining The Royal Marines Band Service at the end of the summer. Here is Alex's story:

I started my musical journey in Year 1 at Primary School with BYMT’s wonderful Piano Teacher Mr Dolovich. We just seemed to ‘click’, lessons were always fun, and we continued for some 12 years in all.  A couple of years after starting school I went along to one of BYMT’s fantastic ‘Try an Instrument Days’. I was drawn to the saxophone but unfortunately had to wait a little while until my hands were big enough to stretch the keys. After some fun on a drum kit, I was invited to join the Percussion section of BYMT’s Junior Band which took place on Wednesday evenings. Playing Cymbals in Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance, and the Gong in The Lion King in the Schools Prom at The Fairfield Hall will be one of my first musical memories.

When I started secondary school I started saxophone lessons in time to join their Jazz Band and was soon invited to join BYMT’s Training Band on Alto Sax on Saturday mornings. From then I progressed through to Senior Band and Symphonic Winds where I also had the opportunity to play both Tenor and Baritone Saxophone. I was delighted to receive an invitation to join BYMT’s prestigious Concert Band and join them on their Summer Tour to The Loire. I am now 1st Sax at BYCB and am looking forward to our Wells Tour next month. I passed Grade 8 with distinction on both Piano and Saxophone in Year 11.

The encouragement that I have received from the teachers and Band Leaders at BYMT has been phenomenal. 

I am very grateful to all at BYMT for providing the opportunities, experience and financial support putting me on the right path for a career in music.

Thank you so much, Bromley Youth Music Trust.

Links:

• Music Changes Lives
• BYMT website