In Conversation with Toby (age 13) and Erin (age 15), students from Centre for Young Musicians

Centre for Young Musicians (CYM) provides high-quality progressive music training, with a range of performance opportunities for 5–18-year-olds on Saturdays during term time.

The London Youth Wind Band (LYWB) is a unique orchestra holiday course offered as part of London’s CYM music programme, giving young musicians the opportunity to perform a wide range of music, learn from industry-leading teachers and perform in a public concert. The orchestra, which offers two courses a year, is for ages 12–18 who have reached at least Grade 6 on their instrument.

We caught up with brother and sister Toby (age 13) and Erin (age 15), who have been with CYM since September 2020 and the LYWB since February 2022, to find out about their experience on both courses.

Hi Erin and Toby! Let’s start with the LYWB — you have been part of the orchestra holiday course since 2022, how has this been for you? 

Toby: I’ve really enjoyed being a part of LYWB, such a good place to play music and make life-long friendships.

How many courses have you done in total? Do you have a favourite? 

Erin: We have done two London courses, and two courses where we went on tour around parts of England. The favourite has obviously got to be the tour, such a good experience, I look forward to it all year (it literally becomes my personality).

Why did you decide to join the LYWB? 

Erin: At first it just seemed natural considering that we are already part of CYM, but it was actually more of the fact that we wanted to do some playing with other well experienced young musicians.

Toby: I completely agree!! 

Could you tell us a bit about your audition? 

Toby: Well, it was an online audition, so naturally I felt more at ease, but still a bit nervous, because I really wanted to be a part of the supportive community LYWB creates!

Do you have any words of encouragement for new applicants who might be thinking about applying, but might be feeling a bit nervous?

Toby: When I was asked if I wanted to do LYWB, I was a bit hesitant, because I was scared of making friends and messing up my music! But I took the leap, and realised the LYWB is a big welcoming family in itself. Such a fantastic place to play music and make friends.

Now onto CYM! You both attend the Full Programme at CYM. How has that been for you? 

Toby: It’s been absolutely amazing! Although it may seem like a challenge at first, to give up your Saturday, I come to see it as my favourite part of the week!

Can you give us an idea of what a typical Saturday at CYM looks like? 

Erin: Well, all timetables start at different times, so it’s flexible depending on when you come in. I start at 9, for my supporting studies class, which really helps me with things like theory and composition. Then, I have Wind Band, where we play fantastic arrangements of film music and others, conducted by Julie Beaman, then my one to one tuition with my trumpet teacher! Next is Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Peter Ash, and we play such fantastic music. This is followed by an hours break for lunch, when we get to explore Waterloo and eat with friends (there is also a canteen in Morley College) followed by other various activities, such as jazz at two, and chamber orchestra.

Classes take place on Saturdays during term time. Do you have any words of encouragement for new applicants who might feel a bit unsure about committing to Saturdays? 

Toby: People may confuse CYM as a waste of a weekend, or another day of work, but I can assure you, it's vastly different. Unlike school, CYM has a lot of freedom. All of the tutors are super nice, there’s no uniform or dress code, and if you can do it fast enough, you could even go home between lessons (as long as you can get back in time). I say lessons, because you learn a lot from attending CYM, but it’s presented in a fun and engaging way, and I always come back with new knowledge on the music world. Saturdays are always the highlight of my week, and I’m always a bit disappointed in the holidays when it's not on.

Erin: For me, music is something I really enjoy, and find quite relaxing, so it's more of a day of excitement (although there is effort) it’s quite relaxing.

You both play the trumpet. How did this come about? Who started playing first? 

Toby: I started off my music journey at a young age, playing the baritone. This went on for a year until dad wanted me to start playing the cornet, as it is a good ‘introduction’ to the trumpet. My dad, his dad and his dad all played the trumpet, so he wanted us to continue the legacy.

Erin: I started not long after Toby, but did drop it for a few years, and then came back with a complete and utter passion for it!

Final fun question. What would be your ideal Saturday? Once your classes at CYM have finished of course! 

Erin: Probably a nice, relaxed evening, often a sleepover with my best friend who also attends CYM!!

Toby: Ideally, go home and have a nice chillaxed afternoon thinking about the wonderful day I just had (CYM never disappoints). 
 

Applications for the London Youth Wind Band will close Saturday 11 November 2023. 
Applications for Centre for Young Musicians will close Friday 1 March 2024.