On Saturday 8th of September, the Bromley Youth Music Trust had its Open Day on Southborough Lane, Bromley, opening their doors to a torrent of excited children, all curious about how to make music from a lump of metal or an old box of strings. BYMT has been an inspiration to thousands of young musicians since its founding in the 20th century. It provides professional, dedicated musical training for all musicians under the age of 18; from those aspiring to be the next Yo-Yo Ma to those just looking for an exciting new hobby, nobody is left behind.
As a pupil at BYMT, I was lucky enough to help the staff with cello demonstrations: showing the little ones how best to sit on the stool, where to place their fingers on the strings, how to hold the bow… All the things that I forget to even think about now. A 17-year-old helping with the violins, Annabelle Saunders-Hawk, described it as being “such a great opportunity. I remember starting my violin lessons here so vividly. It feels like yesterday that I was in their position, but at the same time, it feels like I’ve been playing the violin for ever!” I asked her why she volunteered to help at the Open Day. She smiled. “I just had to give something back to BYMT after all these years. I’ve made so many precious memories here: from playing in Rome, Zagreb and the Royal Albert Hall to just relaxing in the orchestra break on Saturday mornings with my friends. It made me feel very privileged, honoured really, to know I was contributing to these children’s musical futures.”
As BYMT’s motto goes, “Music Changes Lives.” And an honour indeed it is to be a part of it.
